Arts About Town: A History Lesson in Local Theater and the Interim Center for the Arts

I love it when I come across someone who says, "I didn't know there was theater in Gilroy!" It's the perfect opportunity for me to share some history with them.

I preface my conversation with the fact that, in the grand scheme of things, I am a "newbie" to local theater since I have only been here 12 years. Yes, Gilroy theater goes back much, much farther than that—over 40 years back, actually. This is usually where I see a look of surprise on their face. I love that look. That's where I pull out a chair and say "Sit down..."

This is my 32nd history lesson. Back when disco was king, so was theater in our city, and it continues to be today. Russ and Nancy Hendrickson were the originators of the small, cabaret theater called Center Stage. It offered "bring your own dinner" theater in the 70s and 80s.

The Gilroy Community Theater was also around as a more traditional "community theater," eventually morphing into South Valley Civic Theater that's currently located in Morgan Hill. They offer high quality, big-production musicals and non-musicals.

Odyssey Theatre Company was created in 1995 to, as their website explains, increase knowledge, encourage appreciation, develop talent, and provide excellent theater experiences for South County audiences.

January 2003 brought the addition of the , a warm, welcoming "mom and pop" family theater offering terrific comedy plays.

Most recently was launched in January 2011 downtown at the interim . Offering "theater with a twist," a little comedy, a little music and a little drama. The return of "bring your own dinner" theater and the first Gilroy theater to offer wine since Center Stage.

I go on to explain that theater at an arts center is something Gilroy has been working toward for decades. It's actually a cornerstone of the future Gilroy Center for the Arts building. Attending is a multi-level experience: Patrons get to see theater, check out an art exhibit, bring their dinner, have a little wine and contribute to the financial operations of the center just by buying a ticket or beverage. Attendees are able to do this all in one night, and for a nominal cost. It really is a unique experience. One that is often compared to "a night out in the big city." If you haven't tried it, you don't know what you are missing.

This is the part of the conversation when I can see I've convinced the person to go out and attend all the theaters in the area. Pumped up about theater and art, I send them on their way to start their new mission: Telling other people about all the wonderful theater in the Gilroy area. 

My work here is done.