“Harvey," the first show produced by the newly-organized thespians, was presented "in the round" in the Crystal Ballroom of the Pawnee Hotel in February, 1956.

In a program note, the playhouse board welcomed the audience with the wish that "Harvey" would be the first of many successful productions. The note also stated that the Playhouse's future was in the hands of the people of the community, because actors, musicians, directors, stage helpers, and financial support were needed. 

Since that first play, the North Platte Community Playhouse has presented almost 200 shows to thousands of people. For a time the productions were staged in hotels, schools, and clubs. In 1968 the Playhouse Auxiliary was organized to give support and to organize money-making projects. 

In 1969 the old State Theater was purchased and subsequently renovated. It was used until the Neville sisters donated the Fox Theatre to the Playhouse in 1980. A fund-raising campaign brought in more than $250,000, which was used to restore the theater to its former grandeur. Now all plays are presented in this beautiful and historic venue. 

Within recent years, the Neville Center was air-conditioned, and new restrooms were completed, thanks to the generosity of foundations, businesses, and individuals. The dreams of the founders have come true. With the support and participation of citizens of North Platte and the surrounding area, the North Platte Community Playhouse has thrived and has enriched the cultural life of the community. 

Members of the present North Platte Community Playhouse Board of Directors hope that fifty years from now the Playhouse will still be producing plays that will entertain and delight audiences from the community.
Community Playhouse 2006-2007 season offerings:

The Little Shop of Horrors (September 29, 30, October 1, 6, 7) 
A comic spoof of 1950s horror films, this show is about a down-and out skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Unfortunately "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. The book and lyrics are by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken. The show is based on the 1960s film directed by Robert Corman, with a screenplay by Charles Griffith.

The Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley (November 10, 11, 17, 18. and 19, 2006)
A non-musical adaptation of Dickens' famous tale, adapted by Israel Horowitz, this play helps the audience understand the true spirit of Christmas. Director of this play is Carolyn Clark.

She Loves Me (February 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 2007)
A warm, romantic love story about two feuding clerks in a European perfume shop, this show takes place during the 1930s. As anonymous "pen pals" they think they are in love. This charming musical comedy is a perfect Valentine show. The film, "You've Got Mail," is a modern interpretation of this timeless story by Miklos Laszlo. Director of this play is Anne Schmit. The book, She Loves Me, was written by Jose Masteroff, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.

Grace and Glorie (April 13,14, 15, 20, 21, 2007)
An inspiring play about Grace, a feisty 90-year-old cancer patient who lives in a rustic cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Glorie, a much younger hospice volunteer who has been transplanted from New York. As their friendship develops, the two women share their joys and sorrows. The subject is serious but the play by Tom Ziegler has many funny moments. This "odd-couple" play about a cantankerous mountain woman and a sophisticated urbanite has been successful in community theaters and on Broadway, with Estelle Parsons and Lucie Arnaz in the roles of the two women. Director is Cathy Cole.

Season tickets are $40 and can be purchased from Dottie Grachek, 4020 Bretwood Court, 534-6162.
http://www.northplattecommunityplayhouse.org/ 

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