FIFTY-TWO YEARS OF GOOD TIMES

AND GREAT ENTERTAINMENT

The North Platte Community Playhouse was organized in 1955 at the home of Charlie and Rose Craig, who served bean sandwiches to members of the fledgling group.

"Harvey," the first show produced by the newly-organized thespians, was presented 'in the round' in the Crystal Ballroom of the Pawnee Hotel in February, 1956. At that time, Charley Craig was president of the Board of Directors. Others who served on the board during 1956 were Paul Muchlinski, June Alexander, Betty Heidbreder, Katy Varicak, Rose Craig, Virginia Robertson, Betty McConahay, Donald Swaim and Leo Anderson.

In a program note, the playhouse board welcomed the audience with the wish that "Harvey" would be the first of many successful productions. The note also stated that the Playhouse's future was in the hands of the people of the community, because actors, musicians, directors, stage helpers, and financial support were needed. Since that first play, the North Platte Community Playhouse has presented almost 200 shows to thousands of people.

For a time the productions were staged in hotels, schools, and clubs. In 1968 the Playhouse Auxiliary was organized to give support and to organize money-making projects. In 1969 the old State Theater was purchased and subsequently renovated. It was used until the Neville sisters donated the Fox Theatre to the Playhouse in 1980. A fund-raising campaign brought in more than $250,000, which was used to restore the theater to its former grandeur. Now all plays are presented in this beautiful and historic venue. Thanks to the generosity of the Peter Kiewit Foundation, the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, businesses, and individuals, the Neville Center is now air-conditioned and new rest room facilties have been added.

The dreams of the founders have come true. Thanks to the support and participation of citizens of North Platte and the surrounding area, the North Platte Community Playhouse has thrived and has enriched the cultural life of the community. Members of the present North Platte Community Playhouse Board of Directors hope that many years from now the Playhouse will still be producing plays that will entertain and delight local audiences.

Below is a list of plays that have been produced by The Playhouse since its inception. Katy Varicak has kept a list and Phyllis Swigart has kindly typed them up and provided them for this page. Many thanks to Katy and Phyllis. There are a couple of omissions which we are still researching and which will be added when we have the information.