By Dr. Ferrell Miller
JC Breakfast Optimist Club
During the July 31 meeting of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club at Jim Clark’s Chevrolet showroom, Joe and Sheila Markley shared information about staff, shows and remodeling at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Joe is the Director and Sheila serves as the Development Director at the Opera House located at 135 W. 7th Street in Junction City.
Joe told club members that construction on the new Education Department at the Opera House is completed and is in use by staff providing programs for youth in grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Sheila stated that “these programs are in place all year and not just in the summer.” Staff who work with the programs for youth include Patti Noriega, Education Administrator; Ashley Casey, Assistant Education Director and Harlie Delay, Educational Director.
The Junction City Little Theater (JCLT) and Arts Council are also housed in the Opera House. The first production by JCLT will be A Chorus Line, which will be presented August 23-25 and August 30 through September 1. During September 12-15 there will be a coordinated trip to New York City to enjoy Broadway shows and tours of some theatres.
The Salina Symphony Chamber Concert is scheduled for September 27 and Elvis will be in the house September 28. There are two shows scheduled in October. They include the Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra on October 12 and “The Church Ladies: Unsupervised” October 19.
JCLT will produce “Dracula” November 1-3 and 8-10. “Dracula” is rich with both humor and horror. On December 6 and 7 “Pirates Past Noon KIDS” is an adaptation of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series. This production will be presented by the Theater and Development Academy (TADA) Act One group of youth in grades 3rd through 5th.
In December there will be three events. One will be a Cookie Carnival fundraiser where cookies may be purchased by the pound on December 7. On December 12 and 13 the 1st Infantry Division Band will present a free Holiday Concert and on December 15 The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed.
Tickets for any of these events may be purchased by contacting Danny O’Brien at 785-238-3906 or [email protected].