OAKHURST – As the great bard once said, “All the world’s a stage.”
While this holds true in the metaphor of life, some four months ago the physical stage of the Golden Chain Theatre went dark for the first time in 54 years. With everyone on restrictions again, local patrons of the arts are needed more than ever, spurring the creation of the Golden Chain Theatre LINK UP program. For the cost of one specialty cup of coffee per month, you could save a piece of true Americana culture, at the doorstep of Yosemite National Park.
“Golden Chain Theatre has been an important part of our community for almost six decades,” says the nonprofit’s artistic director, Jennifer Janine.
“I have personally seen this theater go through many ups and downs. We cannot depend on ticket sales when we are not allowed to congregate for entertainment. I’m praying that people will make a monthly commitment, however small, to keep it,”
Saying the theatre has changed lives and impacted four generations of actors, dancers, vocalists, tech engineers, grandparents, teens, and lovers of the arts, Janine suggests “we all sacrifice the cost of one cup of coffee per month, [to] secure our theater for years to come.”
Due to current circumstances, the cast, crew, and community that breathe life into the local theatre have come together in a digital way to overcome the challenging setbacks that coronavirus has presented. Each Friday evening, Facebook audiences can catch new productions of melodramas and cabarets. Fans celebrate the return of local-favorite cast members, offering hilarious entertainment, all from the comfort of home.
“These actors have been a dream to work with,” says GTC Jennifer Olsen.
“his was new for all of us, but they are making it appear effortles. Zoom has been easy to work with, and it’s been fun to add some magic to replace the magic that happens on stage.”
You don’t need to become a chain link to enjoy the shows, bring the theatre into your home for free.
“I wanted to make sure that those watching would still be able to have all the fun they would have had from the auditorium,” adds Olsen. “You just need to bring your own popcorn.”
Oakhurst Dirty Laundry – Finale
A Local Melodrama Miniseries
Friday, July 17, 7 p.m.
They Just Keep Moving the Line
A Golden Chain Link Up Cabaret
Friday, August 21 7 p.m.