The Pocahontas Opera House will host its first ever season preview from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. The event will be held at the Opera House at 818 Third Avenue in Marlinton. There will be food and drink, door prizes and a silent auction, a slide show about the history of the historic theater and video clips of the artists who will be appearing in the 2016-2017 season.
“We are so excited about next year’s season that we wanted to invite friends – old and new – to come to the Opera House for a sneak peek at what’s in store for them.” Opera House Operations Manager Byrnn Kusic said. “The Board has really knocked themselves out preparing for this, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Jud Worth, one of the founding members who has recently returned to the Board, has prepared the slide show highlighting the theater’s restoration. Rene White, another long term member, will be selling tickets for a drawing for one of her signature quilts. Sue Groves and Michelle Jeffers are putting together gift baskets for the silent auction. Laura Dean Bennett is in charge of transforming the hall for the gala event. And everyone is busy cooking something special.
The event is part of a “friend’s drive” geared to raising awareness of and support for the Opera House.
“I’m not sure everyone knows just how much is happening at the Opera House.” board president Arla Ralston said. “In just the last few weeks, we’ve hosted a community potluck, a free production of Alice in Wonderland complete with tea party, a hospital fundraiser, an art fair for high school students, and the senior prom. All this in addition to the Opera House’s regular season.”
The Foundation board hopes more people will come to the party and then decide to get involved with the Opera House.
“We want to make new friends, folks who will come back to see a show or volunteer to help out.” Kusic said. “And we want to say thanks to all our old friends, the many people in this community who have made the Opera House such a success.”
There is no charge for the event but donations will be welcome. Invitations were sent out last week to a list of “old friends.” Anyone wishing to receive an invitation should contact the Opera House at 304-799-6645 or contact them at www.poca hontasoperahouse.org or at www.facebook.com/poca hontasoperahouse
