Volunteers mark 25 years of playhouse theater
Since classic Hollywood is the theme of Bay Area Harbour Playhouse’s “A Night on Broadway” silver anniversary gala, you may see what seem to be movie stars in the audience.
That’s because audience members are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite star or movie character.
“The public is invited to attend the event,” said Coleen Reyes, chair of the concert/ gala/fundraiser. “Costumes are not mandatory, but they will, of course, add a lot of glamour and glitter.”
Director Chad-Alan Carr added, “I will definitely be in a tux. It really is going to be spectacular.”
At least one alumnus from each of more than 300 shows performed in 25 years at the playhouse will walk the red carpet Aug. 13 when the theater celebrates its 25th year in Dickinson.
To assemble the show, Carr arrived Aug. 8 from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he serves as the founding executive/artistic director of Gettysburg Community Theatre.
The 38-year-old grew up in San Leon, graduating from Dickinson High School in 1996.
But it was in Carr’s first week of seventh grade that he met Bennie Nipper, who opened the theater with her late husband, Oscar, in 1991.
“I walked across the school yard to the other side of the parking lot,” Carr said.
Bennie Nipper met him at the front door and invited him inside to show Carr how the
Nippers were restoring and renovating the former Hollywood movie house at 3803 Texas No. 3 in its original art deco style.
“From that moment, she took me under her wing,” Carr said. “I stuck on mailing labels, folded fliers, stapled, cleaned, put costumes in order and helped arrange the script library.”
Carr lost count of how many roles he played at BAHP, but his favorite was that of Puck in William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
“I was there through hot, humid and hurricane,” Carr said.
Attending Sam Houston State University on scholarship, Carr earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theater.
He became known as a “triple threat” — performer, director and choreographer — touring the country in stage musicals, including his best-loved show, “Singin’ in the Rain.”
Carr, who is single, signed to help model the nonprofit Gettysburg theater after BAHP.
When Carr was invited back to co-direct BAHP’s silver anniversary gala, he asked for names and contact information of everybody who had ever participated in a show at the playhouse.
“They sent me binders,” he said. “Some (contact lists) were so old, there were no email addresses. Some had phone numbers; some had Facebook groups or Facebook pages. If I could just get 10 people back, I would have been happy, but do you know I have more than 50?”
They represent current and former performers, crew members or other volunteers from every BAHP show ever produced, he said.
As guests arrive at the gala, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, Reyes said.
A dinner buffet catered by Southern Elegance will follow, and then a variety show.
Carr promised that the show will feature medleys of songs from every BAHP musical.
During the evening, guests can also bid for items in both silent and live auctions, Reyes said.
“This is our only fundraising event each year,” she added. “Donation items can still be left at the theater, or pickup of items can be arranged by calling 281-337-7469. All donations are tax-deductible and are greatly appreciated.”
Bennie Nipper announced July 28 that BAHP is dedicating this year’s gala to the memory of Jessica Cain, a talented young actress who vanished on Aug. 17, 1997 after performing in “Oklahoma!” at BAHP.
Each year thereafter, Cain was remembered as “missing,” along with the honor roll of deceased BAHP thespians, Carr said.
Last month, Galveston County authorities confirmed that Cain’s remains were found in a pasture near Hobby Airport in Houston where a convicted kidnapper led authorities.
“Jessica was a dear young lady,” said Nipper. “She believed in community theater and appreciated her chance to be on stage. She was a great role model for the others.”