Published: April 08, 2009 01:54 pm      

Vasquez: OCP up to about $62,000 in donations

For the second time in four years, a hurricane has delivered a knockdown blow to the OCP, but just like a true champion, the members of this community theater have picked themselves up and are coming back for more.

“This storm was absolutely worse than Hurricane Rita,” said Codie Vasquez of the OCP. “We lost four rows of seats in the auditorium, 90 percent of our costumes and about 85 percent of our props, and that doesn’t include what we had in storage under the stage.”

Vasquez was one of the first to arrive at the Playhouse, which is located at 708 W. Division in downtown Orange, and was amazed at the devastation she found.

Founded in 1950, the Orange Community Players just reopened its doors in April after many months of remodeling courtesy of Hurricane Rita.

The OCP Board of Directors spent approximately $450,000 on the renovation of the playhouse following Rita, which included giving the facility a much needed facelift.

A ramp was also built on the sidewalk allowing easier access for the physically challenged, as well as one in the auditorium for better access to seating, plus the lobby and restrooms both boasted new paint and fixtures.

Much of that was lost due to the hurricane.

“Everything was covered in that thick mud,” Vasquez said. “And there was still water underneath the pit area when we took the floor out. In fact, one of board members fell through a section because of water damage.”

Much of the remodeled lobby had two feet, of standing water and the lower portions of wall have been removed. In the back stage areas, water marks on the walls indicate levels as deep as three feet.

Since reopening its doors following the renovations, four productions have been held by the Orange Community Players.

In April 2008, the musical production of “Man of La Mancha” had a very successful run of six performances, and then, in May 2008, the annual “Broadway Fun for Funds” benefit was held to continue raising money for future renovations to the aged facility.

Other productions have included annual summer children’s workshop and the August season premier, “Once Upon a Mattress.”

A casualty of Hurricane Ike was the November 2008 production, “Anatomy of Gray,” which had to be canceled, but when the OCP finally did reopen in February it was with the hilarious production, “Dearly Beloved.”

“We called The Meadows Foundation a while back to talk to them about emergency grants,” Vasquez said. “But they came up with another plan. They said they would match any funds we raised, dollar for dollar, up to $58,000 until March 2nd. So, we had the opportunity to raise $116,000.”

Vasquez said the OCP has already raised approximately $15,000 by mid-February, and, along with additional funds received from ticket purchases and generous donations, ended up with approximately $31,000 total.

“Right now we have $62,000, if you count the matching donation, but we are hoping to get more time,” Vasquez added. “We are still taking donations, whether they are matched or not, because we have to get to work as soon as possible.”

The junior board members were present Saturday, just like they have been practically each weekend since the hurricane, and each was doing what was needed to get the OCP ready for repairs.

Taylor Pousson, a student at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, has been president of the junior board both years of its existence.

“It was really depressing when we first got here,” he said. “We pulled out three layers of carpet and hauled out furniture, and even hosed down the floors and scrubbed them. Our group has been working tirelessly just trying to do its part.”

Pousson said he knows everything cannot be saved, but a lot can be salvaged and rebuilt.

“This was a good test for our group,” he continued. “It shows we have what it takes to get through something like this.”

The junior board members are students from area schools. These individuals, along with some friends they convinced to volunteer and others from area high school theater departments, have spent numerous hours over recent weeks trying to restore a proud venue.

“When I saw the gutted walls and floors, I was able to see what the theater would look like again it was repaired,” Pousson said. “It’s a long process, but, hopefully, our patrons will be there for us.”

The OCP’s main goal was to save the building and it appears they will do just that. But Vasquez knows, as with Hurricane Rita, it will be quite a while before the Orange Community Playhouse is restored.

“I’m optimistic,” she said. “I think when it’s all said and done, we’ll end up with a better theater than ever.”

The OCP will present its next production “Nun Sensation,” in April. Call 409-882-9137 for more information or renovations.