A legacy of fine theater
By Claire Thornock-Brazelton
FEATURES WRITER
he Heritage Theatre has been a legacy of Brigham City since its creation; originally starting as the Brigham City Community Theatre in 1970. The building itself located at 2505 South Highway 89 is historic with its walls being built in 1890, serving for nearly eight decades as the Perry Ward LDS building then being renovated as the permanent home for the theatre’s productions in 1975. Scott and Phyllis Nelson of Perry share their stories and memories that Heritage Theatre has provided them and their family through their many years of participation.
“We have been active members of the Heritage Theatre since 1977 when we moved here from California,” Phyllis said. “We have directed, acted and have served on the board.”
Though the outside of the building still resembles a church, the interior holds scene shops, rehearsal space, business office and a 208 seat auditorium. Scott recalls that during the first two years of performances the seating was quite unusual.
“From 1975-1977, the audience who came to the Heritage Theatre performances would sit in the pews of the chapel. They were later removed and replaced with theatre seats from Chicago,” Scott said.
The Nelsons give credit to Drauca J. Holmes and Lucille Larson for creation and inspiration of the theatre. In 1969, for the Golden Spike 100th anniversary celebration, the Box Elder County centennial committee presented the idea of writing and producing an original script with music that would capture the spirit of the railroad excitement in Northern Utah during 1869. That is when Holmes and Lawson were given the responsibility of researching, developing and staging the story, “Gandy Dancers.” The Mayor of Brigham City, Olaf Zundel, was surprised by the favorable response of the production and asked Holmes to organize a community theater group for the city.
“Drauca stayed faithful to the Heritage Theatre and for many years she still would come and help out with scenery, costumes, and acting,” Phyllis said. “She would always tell everyone what a great job they were doing and thank them for their time and talents.”
The Brigham City Community Theatre used many places for its performances during it’s first years such as the High School auditorium and other borrowed stages. By 1975, the group had expanded and grown so much it needed a permanent place to perform. After a door-to-door campaign, members of the volunteer group were able to put a down-payment on the old church building. The theatre group grew into an independent, non-profit organization that has continued to touch the hearts of those in the community today.
Scott and Phyllis joined the Heritage Theatre because of their previous and current involvement with theater and also for the opportunity to meet people in the community.
“Theater has always been a major part in our lives it just felt natural to join the community theatre. I taught theater in the Weber School District for 22 years and Scott taught theater in the Box Elder School district for many years too,” Phyllis stated. “But when we moved here we didn’t know a lot of people and the Heritage Theatre gave us the chance to meet new people and make new friendships.”
Both agree that the Heritage Theatre is the perfect occasion for families to participate in activities together.
“The theatre not only introduced us to new people, but it was also brought us closer together as a family,” Scott said.
“Performing in and watching these productions are beneficial for children because it allows them to break out of their shells and its great for them socially,” Phyllis said. “Watching the shows let kids see other kids their age show their talents which may motivate them to do the same.”
The Nelsons told stories of their children , Melanie and Jeff, who took to the stage at an early age and loved it.
“Our children began doing plays at the age of two and it was just a great outlet for our family,” Phyllis said. “We participated in plays and musicals in Salt Lake City, but the Heritage Theatre is basically in our back yard, and it was so easy to attend rehearsals and we could participate together as a family.”
Scott and Phyllis had a memorable family experience happen at the theatre.
“Our daughter, Melanie, after a performance she was in was purposed to on stage and all the girls in the production were jumping and squealing and saying it was like the movies,” Phyllis said. “It was a fun event.”
The Nelsons also recalled other experiences of the theatre that they have shared together and with other members of the community.
“We have had the great opportunity to watch the Heritage Theatre grow over the years and to watch the actors and productions get better and better with every performance,” Scott said. “But every performance and rehearsal has been a fun experience.”
Phyllis explains that even though the theatre has struggled at times, the members always pull through and get things done.
“The directors and actors don’t get paid at all, and we have learned a lot the hard way; struggling with a small budget for sets, costumes and music,” Phyllis said. “Times have been hard, but it’s sure worth it.”
Other members of the community along with the Nelsons have put in many years of time and skills to the productions and history of the theatre.
“David Christensen has been the rock, rutter and pilot of the Heritage Theatre and he has been part of every single production we have done; either by doing the lights, acting or sets; you name it he’s done it,” Scott said. “Also Bill Hall, Jackie Furlong and Rob and Jeralynn Bishop also have done a lot of things with the Heritage Theatre.”
Phyllis added, “In fact, Congressman Bishop and his wife met here doing a play at Heritage Theatre.”
The Nelson’s message to the community is to come out and participate or watch one of the eight productions the theatre puts out a year.
“Come and bring your families to the shows and see just how much fun they are, and how much fun it can be to do them” Phyllis said. “We do a wide variety of plays, comedies and musicals ranging from “The Odd Couple” to “Music Man.”
“If members of the community just knew how good our productions are, and that a majority of our productions are suited toward families, with good and clean entertainment, they would come and see our productions rather than waste their times at the movies,” Scott said. “We just have great talent in our community and people need to come out and take part in the fun and excitement that the productions at the theatre present.”
For further information about Heritage Theatre’s shows, directions or auditions visit www.heritagetheatreutah.com.
Community
Hospital to host diabetic class
The Brigham City Community Hospital will hold it’s monthly diabetic class today at 4 p.m. It will be held in the hospital board room. The topic for this month’s class will be “Continuing Your Journey With Diabetes”.The conversation map format will be used, and the discussion will be led by Dianne Curtis, RN. There is no cost for the class and everyone is invited.
Beautification Committee sets porch parade
The Brigham City Beautification Committee is set to host a Porch Parade for members of the BC community to participate in only. The contest is about curb appeal and categories include most unique, most green (recycled items), best presentation, most improved, best in show and best small porch. Judging will be by out-of -town judges. Entries must be mailed by July 30.
For questions and more information email marlenehygienist@hotmail.com or phone (435) 734-9605. Mail entry with your name, address, and phone number to Brigham City Porch Parade, Marlene Martinez, 63 North 200 East, Brigham City, UT, 84302.
Tremonton to host annual quilt show
The Happy Harvest Quilt Guild of Tremonton will host the Wheat and Beet Days Fourth annual quilt show at the Garland LDS Stake Cultural Center, 140 West Factory, Garland, on Saturday, August 7, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Entries may be submitted before July 31. All quilts must be picked up on Saturday, August 7, by 5:30 p.m.
For all rules and information about quilt entries and show call Sandra Sullivan, (435) 452-2884 or email her at s_sull@yahoo.com.
BC Museum to present quilt invitational
Brigham City Museum and Gallery is presenting a quilt invitational until August 18. Patty Hawkins of Estes Park, Colorado, Yoko Isaki, Margret Shea and other locals will have quilts displayed. Patrons can view the Quilt Invitational Tuesdays - Fridays from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 - 5 p.m. The facility is located at 24 North 300 West and admission is free. For further information, please call (435) 723-6769.
Mutton Bustin’ registration set
Box Elder County Fair and Rodeo held August 26-28 is setting registration dates for Mutton Bustin’.Open registration will be August 6-13 and there is a limited number of participants. The will be a draw for each night and youth whose names are drawn will be notified by August 16.
Children 6-7 years old must be present at store to register and contestants can not weigh more than 60 lbs. Youth who register at MB Meat Packing in Tremonton will ride on Thursday; youth who register at IFA in Tremonton will ride on Friday; and youth who register at Brigham Implement will ride on Saturday.
Museum-Gallery hosts literary competition
The Brigham City Museum-Gallery’s invites current and former residents of Box Elder County to turn in short stories, poems and essays for their annual Peach Days Literary Competition. The deadline is Saturday, August 7.
Compositions will be accepted in three categories: short story, poetry and essay. Two entries in each category may be submitted. The pieces can be mailed or delivered in person to 24 North 300 West, Brigham City, UT 84302. The facility is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1 - 5 p.m. For more information about requirements and rules call (435) 723-6769.
An award ceremony will be held during Peach Days on Saturday, September 11, at the Community Center (upstairs) at 4 p.m. Winners will be notified before the ceremony and all participants, family and the public are invited.
Call for entries for Peach Days art exhibit
Current and former residents of Box Elder County are invited to submit their works for the Brigham City Museum-Gallery’s 2010 Peach Days Art Competition and Exhibition.
All Box Elder County residents or former residents 16 years or older can submit artworks in the following categories: painting - water media; painting - oil; photography; graphics; drawing; printmaking; and sculpture. Receiving dates for artwork are Friday and Saturday, August 13 - 14. The museum is open Friday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1 - 5 p.m. Entry fee is $3 per piece. Late entries will not be accepted.
Up to two original entries per artist will be accepted. All work must be framed and ready to hang, and not all pieces will be exhibited. Entries may not have been shown previously at the museum and work exhibited at the fair is not recommended to be entered. Artwork can be no older than five years. Pieces are limited in size to 60 inches in any direction. Entry fee is $3.
Artists may sell their pieces subject to a 20 percent commission.
The museum will be open on the Saturday of Peach Days, September 11, from noon - 7 p.m. The exhibit opens Saturday, August 21 and continues through Wednesday, September 22. An awards ceremony will be Saturday, September 11 at 2 p.m. at the museum, where about $500 in awards and gift certificates will be given.
Artwork can be picked up Thursday - Saturday, September 23- 24. Work left after September 27 will not be insured.
