Have you noticed the Communicator ad for Richey Suncoast Theater? Are you aware of the history of the building that provides reasonably priced theater and concerts to our town?

The theater opened in 1926 as the Thomas Meighan Theater, after the movie celebrity who wintered here with stars Gloria Swanson and Ed Wynn and famous author Pearl Buck, among others. The first show starred Meighan in The New Klondike, accompanied by a piano until 1927’s addition of an organ “to give the people of New Port Richey the most modern entertainment possible.

The 1930’s brought experiments with ultimate success in sound equipment. An announced increase in ticket prices was planned but, due to technical difficulties with the sound, silent films were reinstated and ticket prices

thankfully reduced from a proposed 40 to 20 cents for adults and 15 to 10 cents for children. Plans to build a movie studio were eventually thwarted by the Great Depression.

The theater operated sporadically until 1945 (with a short stint as a barbershop), when it was purchased by the Richelieu family, Operations were still sporadic, changing owners and names (Vogue, Cinema), even utilization as a Catholic Church satellite, until closing in 1968, unable to compete with the modern Rocking Chair Theater newly opened in Southgate.

The theater was purchased and opened as a community theater in 1972 with Fiddler on the Roof as the first Richey Suncoast Theater live production. With ongoing renovations and a variety of musical and theatrical productions, theater is alive and well in New Port Richey.

More Theatrical Ponderings

You know who I feel sorry for today? The retro groups who perform to audiences of seniors (the only ones who remember the 50’s and 60’s). They

perform for applause, they perform their aging hearts out, and, I have noticed, get applause but notany hoots, whistles, standing o’s. Figured it out today:

We want to stand but our joints ache and by the time we get out of our seats, the moment has passed.

We want to hoot but our voices aren’t as strong as they used to be.

We want to whistle but our dentures get in the way.

Oh, but we do love the music. I just hope the musicians understand.

Josh and Matt Connolly – Violin Recital

Roy Shepherd, Matt Connolly, Don Cozby and Josh Connolly seen here posing after their spirited performances at the CARES Elfers Center recital on February 28^th 2010. Roy accompanied the violinists on his guitar and also sang gospel songs. Thanks are due to his wife Joan, an Elfers quilter, who helped with setting out the hall for the event. Josh and Matt set our feet a-tapping with their lively and varied renditions of folk and country tunes.

Their program was played with exceptional ability and was greatly enjoyed by one and all. Josh and Matt have just started playing with the Richey Community Orchestra and we wish them great success as begin their professional musical careers

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