I went to the Mesquite Toes Dance Troupe’s annual benefit show last Saturday night at the Bowler Junior High School. Wait a minute, did I read that right? Hasn’t it always, for the last 14 years, been held in the Mesquite Community Theater? The theater was not in use that night and while the venue was ok, it sure wasn’t up to the quality of our local theater.
I am told the organization managing the community theater has raised the price above the amount needed to put on a community benefit show. After having to pay more to rent the theater, local non-profit organizations now must pay far for technical support. In the past, they have always been allowed to have qualified volunteers program and operate the spotlights, stage lights and sound. The volunteers they have used for the last five years are still willing and available. I wonder why they can’t help this year by volunteering their services.
It just seems to me, a show meant to give back to the community should be given some help so they can afford to put on the fundraiser that has in the past years given over $28,000 to community charities. ed over $28,000 for community charities.
Bunny Wiseman
The Community can, and should help itself. A good first step would be to rid City Council of the “Business First” crowd. The fact that Community property was given over to a local, for profit entity is an outrage. The Mesquite Toes situation was an inevitable result.
Normally this is not something I would comment about, but Mr. Newcom has no idea what he is talking about. The city council has nothing to do with the operation and fee schedule of the theater. As to the for profit organization he mentions, just exactly who are they? As far as I know it’s still the Virgin Valley Theater group. As to the Mesquite Toes situation he mentioned, if Mr Newcom were to call me, I would gladly explain the details. We have given the theater to no one new period.
July 10, 2019
Eureka leaders approached the City of Mesquite with a proposal to significantly revamp the city-owned Mesquite Community Theatre building located at 150 North Yucca Street.
The Eureka would subsequently manage the facility and underwrite a rich offering of performances to broaden the local cultural experience available for all ages. Such an array of outstanding musicians, speakers, children’s concerts, and such, have generally been beyond the reach of many in our small town. In recognition for the investment and ongoing oversight, the facility would be renamed in honor of Doris Lee.
Mayor Al Litman views the Eureka proposal as having real benefit for the community. “The Eureka is a solid partner and everything they do is quality. No specific details are available at this point because an agreement must be drawn up and taken to City Council for approval.” With major repairs needed for the building complex, such as a new roof and updated heating and air conditioning,
Mesquite Community Theatre receives generous offer | Mesquite Local News
a business partnership could provide financial backing that might not be shouldered by the city.
As far as future theatre usage, the Eureka envisions that current users like the Virgin Valley Theatre Group and others would continue to stage their traditional performances in the newly remodeled facility which seats an audience of about 210. “We are simply looking to help bring more frequent, high quality attractions and greater variety to this under-used venue,” says Gerri Chasko. “There is no intention to turn it into a casino showroom. We do see that some of speakers’ programs that we currently sponsor in the Eureka Grand Canyon Ballroom could more effectively–and comfortably—be held in a theatre setting. We would expect to move some of those if the Eureka were to partner with the city on the project.”
Mr. Littman,
The City Maintains ownership and is responsible for taxes, the Eureka would SUBSTANCIALLY MANAGE THE FACILITY.