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11SI. Duties Jotrui. Moriiy. Septate 9.1974The Cranfi Opera HomeA view of ihf* interior of the ole Grand Opera House, found upstairs of the Famous Building ot 311 N. Moin. The old rheotre, which dales back almcsi 100 years is one of the locations -hoiFriends of the Director or© considering for re-establishing live theatre in St. Charles. Initial plans call for retaining the original name of Grand Opera House.Theatre Dreams Remain, Reality Still a QuestionBy WENDY BlUMENTHAl Feoture EditorThe dust of Ihe old St. Charles Theatre and Opera House has settledAs it settled, the creams of 100 years of vaudeville and theatre in SL Charles have all faded; save for those of the Opera House's last tenants, Friends of the Director, lid.Frank ami Sandy Wcrsching, the backbone of Friends of the Director, Ltd. are confident they will have another theatre. The only question is where.The Werschings and their steering committee are studying potential location? for their theatre’s new home. A front runner » the century old Grand Opera House, located above The Kamoii? store at 311 N. Main St.At this point, the Famous liuildmp is one of the leading possibilities, but it's not the only one. We like the St. Charles community and we've received support from the business community to re-establish her?. BjU now that the ordeal of the other tlieatre is pas. we have lime to sit back and organize first.’’ Wenching said.Wersrhmg is underslanaably both cautious and optimistic when be talks abiut again (Hinging theatre to life in 51. Charles.‘‘There an* three groups rf people who should be involved in this project, the director explained Die first is a »ard of directors. At this point we’re interviewing people in the community wIkj might assume a position on this boaru. ITh* second group is the steering committee, which has already been formed and lues allround IkJ penp-e. From this group .ill the smaller cumniithr act.vities will work.F’imJly. we're looking f-w fin* mimes and addresses of all the people in the ranur. unity who will sipptat Ui* tfiKfitre by attending per formant.Because FrU-ncSs of the Director, In! art* nf-fllijlcd WJlh Urban Kem'w.ll. Werscliing out thit his j'.ruup needs lo prove that the Famous building is ihe mosl. logical iel;»catn»fi site !**f iri‘ jil.ini mine Iroin the liraum:; bs;-ri| They it so hove in Jcmonsl-'Me (hut Liu.* i‘immunity i« interested.The Famous Bui.diag .mil it . Gum; Oivro House are liwned by Inin Kecilomtx. While ’ ip.'ra Sms n-it housed li*-.* rlvativ fur a:r.viv, :Vlt; tliasi* a:, a attended ;*rai.«r :.inl da:ees there in the ensuing years Could view the curling poster and Victorian appointments which still remain.We’ve come to a tentative agreement with Koplowitz on a reasonable rtnl and a long term lease, Wersching noted. ‘ Koplowitz is also interested in having a theatre in Lhc Mam Street area.Koplowitz lold 11* Jourral that he hasn’t really gone into the specifier of a lease,” but he is definitely behind the Werchings in their* attempt to re-establish theatre .n the community.I think they’d prefer this location above the others they’re considering in St I-ouis and I believe having a theatre here would help craw people downtown.” Koplowitz said.The Grand Opera House which Wcrsdiing believes conic seat 30lt;1 to SCO patrons, will be 130 years old in 1976. White it’s historical asfects sire :in attraction. WerQchno PKtirnalt** that 360,000 to 3200,000 worth of renovation would be required before the first curtain goes up.We’ve had a preliminary structural test made by a private firm and we have every indication that the building is itructurally sound, he commented. But to comply with city standards. a complete study must he made. Fire and safely regidation.; must be complied with and our biggest alteration will be making a rear entrance. This will make us a first floor enterpnlt;*\ facilitate parking and chninate walking up steps.’’Where wil the money come fixoiriV Hu’ decision will rest with the new Board of Directors. One possibility Wersching sees is applying for Bicentennial funds, since the building will be 10il years old on the nations 2D0th birthday As for past debts. WeTsrhir.g said that M;lt;st of our crediiurs have encouraged our growth and suggest wc try' to establish another theatre hcri o:id pay off what wc owe as we can.1 think you have to remember that we were successful before. In our 18 months we hud 20 pmiJiifUous, 12 fuh credit college ccu;;ses. .'I mu err,ii? c lasses for children through high school sludents ami youth troop participation The theatre would not only re lt;■( ;in artistic, but e: ; iv.e interest a? well. 1 kiow there’? enough |ilc j-i l?iu- .•iii iinunity \,i Nippon tlii.s project. .1 if ilieulre stays in St. ttailes it r.n.st be uuvfi(iv.nliV.rnnutj: fveffort.lepeop andperspectiveCurtains-Up In St. Charles ?x m.m ' I 9.Rrmimlers of (he Tost►nd.irf no'-fers wvhifh da«e back SOy^ar* aid ornate appointments found in the Grand Opcia House bring th© bu ldng lt;post gso and oott* ‘iial futui e doscr together.
Newspaper Details
Saint Charles Journal
Saint Charles, Missouri, US
Mon, Sep 09, 1974
Page 5
Full Page
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Anonymous
USA 29 Apr 2019
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