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Thursday evening's Mayor's Command Performance of Aladdin Jr., marked two important milestones for the Elks Theatre's future.
"Well it really came out of the blue except that I approached Ron maybe six months ago about a donation," stated John Olsen of Elks Opera House Foundation. "They said, we'll think about it and come up with something. And they did."
In fact, the James Foundation came up with an astounding donation of one million dollars, enough to ensure the restoration of the historic 105 year old theatre.
The City of Prescott acquired the Elks Opera House February of 2001, determined to preserve the historic landmark and ensure its continued use as a community gathering place. Prescott citizens formed The Elks Opera House Foundation shortly after to help raise money for the restoration.
Directed by Dawn Castaneda, Aladdin's cast was drawn from local elementary and high school students. Performance Dates: Friday, Nov. 7, 7:00pm
Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, plus an Academy award-winning score, Aladdin is sure to become a favorite musical for many years to come!
Saturday, Nov. 8, 7:00pm
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2:00
Friday, Nov. 14, 7:00pm
Saturday, Nov. 15, 7:00pm
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2:00pm
Tickets are available at the Elks Opera House Box Office.
The official announcement of the generous donation was made before the Mayor's Command Performance of Disney's Aladdin. "Aladdin" itself is another milestone for the theatre. The play marks the start of a new series of original productions at the Elks. "This is the start of something absolutely beautiful and wonderful... the Elks Opera House Presents," stated Parker Ruiz, Manager of the Elks Theatre.
Elizabeth Ruffner and John Olsen of Elks Opera House Foundation joined Mayor Jack Wilson on stage to thank the James Family Trust.
"We have reached a historical waypoint in the restoration of the Prescott Elks Opera House. Through the generousity of the family who are probably the greatest philantropists in our community. They have made available to us a grant of one million dollars," said John Olsen to cheers from the audience.
Olsen related that the donations the James family have made to Prescott "are almost too numerous to elaborate on." He stated that in addition to their support of the Elks Opera House, they have been significant donors to the Prescott YMCA and the Yavapai Regional Medical Center.
Mayor Wilson said, "I would like to think about this as a stop on the road. We're halfway there. The other half of this road is securing this building in the name of the foundation so that this becomes a self-sufficient art venue. So, this play that we're seeing starting tonight, the Children's theatre, becomes a commonplace event in Prescott. We need to have that vision."
"So many people have donated. Some have donated a dollar in the box out in front... some have donated a million dollars. Its a community effort to make this a grand place that we're all going to be able to enjoy... forever," he concluded.
For more information on how you can support restoration and community theatre at the Elks, visit http://elksoperahouse.com.
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