Heavener Lamplight Theater

The gofundme request represents the restoration project for Heavener, OK Lamplight Theater dating back to 1928.  The building was recently designated as a National Historic Site by the National Parks Service and the Oklahoma History Department. The building is one of the last examples in Oklahoma of an old style vaudeville theater. The structure was used over the years extensively by the school district for band concerts as well as for Christmas parties, regional meetings for fraternal groups, state agency conferences, open mic talent shows, high school drama productions, and youth groups. The City Hall offices were in the building until the late 1990s as well as a Masonic Lodge which provided strong government and fraternal leadership for a growing community. Traveling shows came through the area in the early years before television and movie theaters to provide entertainment for the regional area in Southeastern Oklahoma.

Help us at this yearlong gala celebration and enjoy the food and entertainment in the gateway area to the Ouachita National Forest in southeastern Oklahoma. You may use GoFundMe or send a check directly to the City. Please make your checks out to the City of Heavener Lamplight Theater Account. Mail the check to the City of Heavener C/O City Clerk, 103 East Ave. B, Heavener, OK 74937. In most cases, a gift to a local government entity is tax deductible. See IRS Code, IRS Publication 1771.

REWARDS

Mercury level contributions of $10 to $99 shall receive a commemorative souvenir of the historic building.

Copper level contributions of $100 to $999 shall receive a complimentary show ticket for any show during the reopening season, a complementary dinner for one, a commemorative souvenir of the historic building, and a business card advertisement in one play bill.

Bronze level contributions of $1,000 to $2,999 shall receive 3 complementary show tickets during the reopening season, complementary dinners for 3, a commemorative souvenir of the historic building, and ¼ page advertisements in 3 play bills. 

Silver level contributions of $3,000 to $4,999 shall receive 6 complementary show tickets during the reopening season, complementary dinner for 6, a commemorative souvenir of the historic building, and ½ page advertisements in 6 play bills.

Golden level contributions of $5,000 or more shall receive 12 show tickets during the reopening season, complementary dinner for 12, a commemorative souvenir of the historic building, and full page advertisements in 12 play bills.

Theater patrons are invited to come to the Lamplight Theater with me. As we enter the large auditorium and find our seat, the actors are back stage preparing to provide a performance just for you. The house lights dim, the curtain goes up, the actors appear and start to tell their story. The time goes by as you are lost in the drama and the music until the curtain comes down, and the crowd is in their seats taking a deep breath from the fabulous performance. The next thing you know is that everyone is standing and saying as loud as possible bravo, bravo, bravo. As you leave the auditorium a very special feeling is left in your sole. Some people say “it makes your heart sing to feel what arts contribute to our life”.

The following are our needs in the form of a play. Please enjoy.

PLAY BILL

ANOTHER OPENING ANOTHER SHOW IN THREE ACTS

A SHOW BY PATRONS OF THE ARTS

Produced by GoFundMe patrons of the arts.

            Act I : Peer Gynt Directed by Edvard Grieg

            Setting : Peer Gynt is in the hall of the Mt King discussing repairs needed on the hall roof.

            Scene I - Cost $20,000 - The Mountain King's home roofing repairs shall be acted by the Troll King and Peer Gynt. The requirement shall be sealing of all cracks and possible holes permitting water to leak into the building. Prior to the sealing process drains shall be installed to take excess water from the roof to the street level.

            ACT II : Charge of the Light Brigade Directed by Alfred Lord Tennyson

            SETTING: The Light Brigade has passed through the valley and is discussing the question about why they made this charge. “Theirs not to reason why…”

            SCENE I : Cost $210,000 - The canon fire during the famous charge left destruction and death in the field. Repairs of flooring, wall plaster, ceilings, windows, stairs and landings, wood beams, seating, doors, and orchestra pit all have suffered from water leaks during the last two years after various tenants moved out of the building.

            ACT III : New World Directed by Antonin Dvorak

            SETTING : Various cultures in the community come together to help plan best use of the facility for native Americans, second language groups, traditional families, and visitors touring the mountain community.

            SCENE I : Cost $70,000 – A gala celebration is very near as the theater enters a NEW WORLD of use for all art groups and citizens who participate as patrons, actors, directors, and backstage support. The finale repairs shall include upgrade of all electrical, plumbing, heat and A/C units, curtains, technology upgrades, stage curtain, large screen, and general cleanup.

            SCENE II: At the end of the show a famous actress enters from the back of the auditorium down the center isle as the band plays “Hello Dolly”. The Heavener Drama Academy children’s company comes on stage to lead the audience in the famous reframe from the Broadway hit.   

I feel the room swayin'...while that ole band keeps on playin'

One of your old favourite songs from way back when

So...golly, gee, fellas....find her an empty knee, fellas

Dolly'll never go away again

CURTAIN