Paying homage to the past, Saturday night’s grand re-opening gala of the Washington Opera House in downtown Maysville promised “the best is yet to come.”
Past and present Maysville Players came together along with many other members of the community to celebrate the efforts of all those involved in renovating the Opera Theater in a black tie affair that featured cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The evening culminated with clips of past performances from the beginning to 2006’s “Female Odd Couple” and featured many of the original stars. From classic ballads, to toe-tapping renditions of some of the crowd’s favorite pieces from over the years, the show was a delight to all.
“I think tonight’s show was magnificent,” said Shirley Toncray, who has been involved in the Players for about 35 years. Toncray joined Zoe Chamness as the two reprised their original roles in “Mame,” singing a duet of “Bosom Buddies” together.
Toncray said during the years she has spent with the Players she has acted, produced, directed, cleaned toilets n and whatever else was needed.
“And loved every minute of it,” she said.
Toncray, like many, was impressed with the Opera Theater, which is one of the oldest in Kentucky. The multi-million dollar renovation project included refurbished seating and renovating the grand ballroom, among other items.
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings, the Opera House is the fifth oldest theater in continuous use in the U.S. Records show the first Opera House in Maysville was built in 1853, while a theater at the current site opened on Feb. 12, 1885 with the presentation of “Fatinitza” by a long forgotten traveling opera company. The auditorium portion of that building burned in 1898, but was rebuilt the following year at a cost of $24,000 under the supervision of the Washington Fire Department which was located in the building until 1940.
“The theater is just beautiful,” Toncray said, adding Maysville is lucky to have something so “magnificent.”
For Toncray, one of the best parts of the evening was being with all the Players.
“All of us being together, with the old and the new, it’s a wonderful celebration,” she said. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Many echoed Toncray’s words, including Rosemary Leo, who said she has been involved with the Players for 20 years. She also lauded the efforts in renovating the theater and said it was “absolutely beautiful.” Leo noted she only wished the heating and air conditioning system like the one that was installed had been around when she was involved.
Leo said the performances evoked memories of years past, and while she has enjoyed all performances, the musicals have always been among her favorites.
Joining Toncray as one of the original cast members to reprise a role, Gary DeVaughn performed “Be a Dentist” from 1996’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” with assistance from Catherine Clarke, Harriett Jackson and Barbie Zweigart.
“It was tremendous,” DeVaughn said about the experience of being on the stage again in the newly renovated theater.
DeVaughn said his performance in the “Little Shop of Horrors” was the first he had ever done.
With his performance, and the performance of many others, as well as the sights within the theater, DeVaughn said the evening was nearly “overwhelming.”
“I think the community is going to be very much rewarded,” DeVaughn said, for its efforts in reviving the old theater.
Other performances included clips from “Guys and Dolls” and “My Fair Lady,” as well as “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and an all-time favorite, “The Sound of Music,” as well as many others. Also featured were portions of past plays, including “Driving Miss Daisy” and the “Female Odd Couple.” During each performance, pictures or newspaper clippings from the original production flashed on a screen behind the performers.
The night could not have been complete without the inclusion of children, who have played an important part in the Players over the years. Rheagan Sizemore sang “Tomorrow,” a classic from “Annie,” which was performed in 1983, and Nicholas Reece sang an energetic “Consider Yourself,” from 1975’s production of “Oliver.” Also from “Annie,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” was performed by five girls who included dancing as part of their routine.
Remembering those who have been involved in years past but who are no longer around, Betty Fraley Rhodes sang “Before I Gaze at You Again,” from “Camelot,” as pictures of those gone flashed on the screen behind her.
At the beginning and near the end of the gala, all those involved in the effort to renovate the Theater were recognized, including Doug Hendrickson and Debbie Lewis.
“Maysville has talent,” Hendrickson said. “Talent like this deserves a home, and this is our home.”
Hendrickson said the community has been “extremely generous,” then recognized Debbie Lewis with the comment there is “not a finer individual than Debbie Lewis.”
Lewis spoke briefly offering sincere appreciation for all those involved.
With the theater project complete, the Players look forward to the future. As the chorus sang to conclude the evening, “Let’s Go On With the Show.”
Contact Misty Maynard at 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
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