I am delighted to report that new improvements continue to develop at a dizzying pace at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre. So far the year 2011 has brought us a stunning string of successes, thanks to the support of all who so clearly take pride in their community theatre.
* Third Friday Live — In particular, we are seeing ever-increasing audiences with the new concert series “Third Friday Live.” This event focuses on local live entertainment on the third Friday of each month, patterned after the Lake County Art Council”s “First Friday Fling.” The first three events have been highly successful, both from an attendance and revenue perspective. The performances are casual and offer patrons the opportunity to purchase wine, beer and finger-type food and treats. There are two more in the series yet to come: April 15 with the ever-popular LC Diamonds and May 20 featuring Uncorked and the Cobb Stompers.
* Recent events — We are still glowing from the theater-produced professional pianists” concert on March 26. This event played to a nearly-full house and brought forward some highly complimentary comments by concert-goers. The piano for this concert was very generously supplied by the Clear Lake Performing Arts group and we hope to partner with them on future concerts.
The Lost Boys shows were our most ambitious event so far and were an excellent learning experience in terms of putting on a technically demanding, first class show. We”re especially grateful to Greg Bennett, manager of The Lost Boys and manager of the Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa, for all his knowledge and assistance. Thanks also to the Lakeport Police who provided uniformed security guards.
* Coming up — A number of annual events have been scheduled in the coming weeks, including the Arts Council”s exciting “Spring Dance Fest,” the Lake County Chamber of Commerce”s wacky Lip Sync show and the lovely Mother”s Day symphony concert by the CLPA orchestra. On Oct. 22 and 23 the ever-popular Triskela Harp Trio will return, an event the Soper-Reese is very pleased to be producing.
We also hope to see a performance of “Romeo and Juliet” this summer, produced by John Tomlinson, acting instructor at Mendocino College. He may need some assistance in raising funds for this production, so if you want to see some quality Shakespeare in Lake County, Tomlinson would love to have your help.
* Films are coming back to the Soper-Reese ? The Lakeport Rotary Club has donated $7,000 for the purchase of a theater-quality digital projector, lens and powered movie screen. The equipment has arrived and installation will begin soon. All our volunteer staff, in particular theater manager Wally Fuller, is enjoying making plans for our first film series. Stay tuned for more details on that exciting project and a big thanks to the Rotary Club for making this possible.
* Save the date — The fundraising committee has been working with the Taylor Observatory-Norton Planetarium on a joint fundraiser to take place at the observatory for the benefit of both organizations. A date has been set for Aug. 20. The event will include food, presentations and celestial story telling under the stars. More details to follow.
Mike Adams is executive director of the Soper-Reese Community Theatre Committee.
