Celebrating 50 Years of Community Theater
Little Colonel Playhouse takes center stage
September
open house to include
reunion, documentary, theater tours
By
Helen E. McKinney
Contributing Writer
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September
2006 |
PEWEE VALLEY, Ky. (September 2006) – John and
Velma Vaughan met 34 years ago at the Little Colonel Playhouse in Pewee
Valley. John, 49, had a part in “Vacancy in Paradise,” and
Velma was on the set crew. Romance blossomed and after 28 years of marriage,
the Vaughans are still attached to the place where they first met.
“It’s a great place to use your talent,” said Velma Vaughan,
54. “A lot of people don’t have the time to pursue a career
in this field. It’s a great creative outlet.”
Although not as active as they used to be, Vaughan said it’s always
been fun for the whole family. Their children became involved and participated
in summer productions. As with most Little Colonel Playhouse members,
the Vaughans have served in a variety of ways, including acting, set
design and cooking for the opening season dinner theatre nights.
Participation has been good for the Vaughans on “lots of levels,”
she said. It’s a great experience for entire families and for non-professional
actors. “Its for the love of the art that you’re out there.”
She first attended the playhouse with her family at age 13. Her parents
were friends with Phil Hollenback, a veteran actor from Louisville who
was the playhouse’s first director. Hollenback convinced Vaughan’s
mother to bring the family to a performance. Her father became an actor
and, naturally, the family always tagged along.
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Photos courtesy of Bill Baker, Little Colonel Playhouse Phil
and Margaret |
“It involves everybody. You don’t have to be
an actor,” said Vaughan. “You can find something that works
for you.” In their years spent at the playhouse, “We made
friends for life.”
The Vaughans will take part in activities surrounding the 50th anniversary
of the Little Colonel Playhouse. On Sept. 15, an Open House is scheduled
from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tours will be given of the theater by board members
who will share the building’s historical background. Visitors can
see what improvements have been made over the years, ask questions and
enjoy refreshments.
On Sept. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. a 50th Anniversary Gala will
be held next door at St. Aloysius Church, 212 Mount Mercy Dr. This location
was chosen because it can hold more people than the theater, said board
member Bethany Morse. “We will have people flying in from all over,”
she said.
This semi-formal gala will include a buffet. This evening of reminiscing
will include different presentations that will recognize members for
various accomplishments. A presentation of the upcoming season will
be presented. The 50th anniversary season includes one show from each
decade of the playhouse’s history.
“It will be a great evening to get in touch with members you haven’t
seen in a long time,” said Morse. She has been on the board of
directors for a season and a half.
A special DVD highlighting the history of the LCP has been produced
by long-time playhouse member Bill Baker. It will be shown during the
evening.
Baker and his wife, Lynn, became involved with the playhouse in 1975.