Market House Theatre Curtain Call: Friday, March 4

Mary Hammond vs. Elaine Spalding: Who will win the role of the Hard Knock Life orphan?

Leapin’ Lizards! Join the fun at Market House Theatre on Friday, March 4, starting at 7:30 p.m., for the 3rd Annual Curtain Call Auction. Tix are $20. Call the Market House Theatre box office, 270.444.6828, or purchase at the door.

Once again the theatre hosts a fun-filled evening of entertainment, food, drink and lively bidding on parts — this year, for Annie! The one-night-only performance is set for Saturday, June 18.

For the right price, you (or someone you know) can win roles in the show.

Elaine Spalding, president of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mary Hammond, executive director at Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, will raise money to decide who between them will get the role of the Hard Knock Life Orphan in the opening scene.

Chris Black stole The Wizard of Oz show as Glinda the Good Witch!

Two Bristol Broadcasting on-air personalities, Patrick James from Willie 102 and Mitch Meyers from Electric 96.9, will compete for the part of the masked announcer. Each has a collection jar at the radio station, and they’re soliciting votes from Facebook, too.

Last year, family and friends bought parts for their loved ones in the one-night-only performance of Cinderella, and the year before that, The Wizard of Oz. Chris Black as Glinda the Good Witch, of course, stole the show!

“This auction has become a signature not-to-be-missed event for the Theatre,” says the event’s chair and totally super cute Valerie Pollard. “We applaud the local community for attending and supporting one of the best events in Paducah.”
 
See you on the stage!

About Market House Theatre
The Mission of the Market House Theatre is to enhance the quality of life in our community by providing a “hands on” artistic experience for people of all ages.

The goals of the theatre are to provide a regular schedule of artistic opportunities for people of all ages; provide education and training and encourage participation in the arts as a way to enrich our community and teach valuable life lessons.

Theatre’s History
On Oct. 14, 1963, a group of eight interested people met to form a “little theatre group” in Paducah. The first play presented by the Market House Players was The Male Animal at the IBEW Union Hall while negotiations were under way to use the Market House Building as a permanent home. The second play was produced in the Market House Building and the group has called it home ever since. The first year ended with three plays produced for a total of 12 performances.

In 1968, a fire nearly destroyed the building and a renovation was started to improve the facility.

The 1970s saw a growth in the annual budgets from $2,500 to $50,000. The number of plays increased from four to six per season and the number of performances grew to 30 per year with audiences increasing to 8,000.

The 1980s saw the hiring of full time staff and an increase in budgets from $65,000 to $125,000. Market House Theatre became a non-profit organization. In 1985, the “Footlights” program for children was developed and regular classes were added. Audiences continued to increase and by 1990 were reaching 15,000 plus.

From 1990 to 2000, the theatre has seen phenomenal growth. It has become a regional theatre drawing audiences from Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Southeastern Missouri and Western Tennessee. Market House Theatre has won national recognition with awards at every state competition it has entered.

Located in the historic Market House Building, the theatre has also been a centerpiece of historic restoration in downtown Paducah. With the acquisition of three additional buildings, the theatre has been a community symbol of the drive to improve the historic Market House Square.

For more info, visit mhtplay.com.