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I love good community theater. It may not posses the polish of a Las Vegas review, but it also lacks the impersonal tone of an outrageously comercial production presented to an audience full of strangers. For me, the relationship between the audience and the players in a small town makes for a much richer experience. Even if I know not one soul when I walk in the door, I can feel the human energy in the room as people greet each other and then go on to interact with their friends and neighbors on stage. After a production in New York many are prone to discusses the success or failure of the play in rather pompus sometimes self-conscious terms. In a small town next morning's coffee cup conversation is usually about the amazing talent and ability of a neighbor. If one steps back a pace or two, it becomes clear that the performance on stage is, in reality, but part of a larger, more important, experience.
In December 2008 the local community put on an absolutely fabulous rendition of the Wizard of Oz in the Coleman Auditorium at the Gualala Arts Center. The director and cast included over thirty extremely talented members of the local community and dozens of hard working folks helped with stage craft, set and costume construction, and the myriad of other things necessary to put their production on the boards. All performances were sold out - even the dress rehearsal! It was judged by all who attended to be one more smash hit in a lengthening line of successful performances. Kudos to all who had a part in it!
The Gualala Arts Center is an impressive expression of community interest in the arts and the Coleman auditorium is a first class venue for events of all types. There is a rather long history of community theater along the Redwood Coast and the productions get better and better with every passing year. All who happen to read this article should check the Gualala Arts Center schedule and see if you might be able to plan your next trip to coincide with one of the plays. If you are out of town you can purchase tickets on line by visiting their web site. A word of warning - you should buy your tickets early.
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