Can’t wait for new local venue

From the opening strains of the overture to the thunderous standing ovation at the curtain call, children of all ages were enthralled with the music and story of the enchanting Disney production of "Beauty and the Beast," recently performed at the Atwood Concert Hall in Anchorage.

Children as young as 3 to 4 years watched and listened in rapt attention as their favorite Disney characters came to life. While it's true that some lines went over their heads, they still sat spellbound as they watched the magic unfold before their eyes. For some, it was the first time to see live theatre. Even with all the songs and the magic, we were continually awakened to the themes of redemption and the power of love to overcome prejudice. It was a memorable performance enjoyed by all. The production was a testament to the power of a communal event, shared by 2,000 people, for the enrichment of all.

Few of us in the Mat-Su Valley have ever had the opportunity to perform in such a world-class venue as the Atwood Concert Hall. To date, our creativity in the theater arts has been limited somewhat by the theatre venues in which we've had to perform. Often we do it admirably. Our two serviceably theatres, the Machetanz Theatre at Valley Performing Arts and the Colony High Theatre, are certainly adequate for dramas and comedies. Major musicals also have been performed at both venues. We are so used to seeing productions in these venues, we don't realize what we're missing.

Neither theater offers an orchestra pit, sufficient backstage space or a fly loft to hang painted drops. These deficiencies seriously hamper musicals with multiple sets.

Even dressing room space is limited for large-scale productions. The limited number of seats also requires that the talent (actors, musicians and technicians) perform many more performances of a production to meet projected income budget.

Help in the form of a new theater is on the way at Mat-Su College. Local voters recently approved a bond issue for capital projects. Among the projects was a new theater space on the college campus. With the approval of the University of Alaska Board of Regents, plans are now under way for a groundbreaking in 2013 and a spring 2014 opening.

While the college will use this facility, it will also be available to the community. Plans call for a 500-seat auditorium, a 40-foot wide stage, an orchestra pit and a fly loft - just to name a few of the amenities.

When completed, the opportunities for all performance artists will be unlimited. This theater space will quickly become the cultural hub of the Valley. Suddenly, besides musical productions offered by local groups, audiences will be able to comfortably attend musical concerts, both large and small, lectures, dance recitals and even film events. During the day, it will assuredly serve as a classroom space. However, in the evenings, and especially on weekends, the venue will come alive with all kinds of activities to enrich our community.

Hats off to the voters who approved the bond and the UA Board of Regents who supported it. Special thanks to Talis Colberg, director of Mat-Su College, for shepherding it through the process. Kumin Associates Inc., architect of the theater project, has already met several times with local community members to make sure the theater, even with its budgetary constraints, meets the Valley's needs.

But we can't wait around for two years for this venue. Theater and music is around the Valley all the time. It's happening in your neighborhood. Pay attention to the newspapers and the posters in your vicinity. On a side note and before I close, I would like to announce that Palmer Arts Council, with an ongoing summer program of music and theatre, will initiate this year the Valley Academy of Dramatic Arts, a theater program (under my direction) for high school students throughout the Valley.

This ambitious program will offer classes, as well as two to three productions, to be performed in repertory, at the Colony venue. Look for more information in the media as plans become more solidified. See you at the theater!

Grant Olson is a Mat-Su Borough School District employee and longtime supporter of Valley theater.