PA theatrical group hosting Roof-a-palooza to aid OCP

 

By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Port Arthur Little Theatre is raising the roof for Orange Community Players.

The theatrical group is performing a special two-night event, Roof-a-plooza, to assist Orange Community Players with funds to repair the roof at the playhouse.

In July, the playhouse suffered damage due to the flooding rains in the area.

With a roof in need of repairs, the theater group was already in the process of getting quotes when the gully washer came down and created more damage.

“It is the right thing to do,” Jeff Courts, of Vidor and board member of Port Arthur Little Theatre, said. “We heard they were having trouble.”

The special two night only show will offer a variety of songs and numbers from different shows.

“It is much like the Broadway fun for funds the OCP does every year,” Courts said. “It is two nights of having a good time.”

Courts also hinted a surprise will happen both nights but would not give further details.

“It is something you don’t usually see in theater,” Courts said.

Courts also added it is important to support the arts 100 percent.

Orange Community Players was originally founded as “Town Theatre” in 1950. Productions were held at Helen Carr Junior High School and Anderson Elementary School. The production group has been housed at its current location since 1960.

Ticket income covers less than half the costs of a production.

With less than full houses at recent shows, the playhouse is in need of help from the community. A community it has been entertaining for 60 years.

Roof-a-plooza will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26 at 4701 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. in Port Arthur. It is located on the corner of Jimmy Johnson Blvd. and Twin City Hwy. in Port Arthur. Admission is $20 which includes entertainment and light hors d’oeuvres.