August 1, 2023
BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
Richey Suncoast Theatre opens the 2023-2024 season under new direction and with a fair share of offerings that are sure to get people in the seats after what has been a few bumpy years. The pandemic has had a residual effect on the local performing arts scene no doubt. But things seem to be on the upswing again with musicals, comedy shows, classic movies, karaoke, burlesque, and some special events in the lineup for those looking to spice up a night on the town.
“We want people to come on out, get out of the house,” said Jennette Cronk, who came on as Executive Director in June. “It makes for a great date night or great girls’ night out.”
Along with a fairly new volunteer board of directors, she has been working hard to promote the season and get the word out.
(Read more on the board – Richey Suncoast Theatre emerges with new board, big plans, Suncoast News, Feb. 2023)
“If we provide good shows and good entertainment, they will come” is the thought, said Cronk who most recently worked as a facility manager at Claude Pepper Day Care and Facility in New Port Richey.
Cronk, who grew up in St. Petersburg, performed at her mother’s performing arts studio, as a student in Ruth Eckerd’s Children’s Theater program and really caught the acting bug after a stint as the only child performer in a local production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury. She moved to New York City to pursue her dream and became the House Comedian at Magnet Theatre before returning to Tampa Bay when the pandemic hit in 2020. She also has experience working in fundraising for the American Brain Tumor Association.
“This job is fantastic because it uses all my skills,” Cronk said, adding that she used to drive by the Richey Suncoast Theatre on her way to work and ended up purchasing tickets for a burlesque show and a couple of theatrical performances.
“I wanted to go to dinner and a show and not have to travel all the way to Tampa to do that.”
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
She was impressed.
“The theatre is gorgeous – the art deco, the history, the feel of walking in here,” Cronk said, noting that more recent repairs and upgrades have included an updated digital sound system and a new film projector. In the works is the refurbishment of balcony box seats for a special VIP section.
The historic theater was originally known as the Thomas Meighan Theatre and opened as a movie house in 1926 with a screening of the silent film star’s movie The Klondike.
In later years it was converted into a community theater where locals took to the stage in directing and acting in an eclectic range of dramas and musicals such as Young Frankenstein, Spamalot, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, State Fair, Pajama Game, and Carrie.
Season tickets are now on sale for the coming theatrical season which opens on September 15 with Jason Robert Brown’s musical, The Last Five Years, a story about falling in and out of love that is told in forward and reverse chronological order by the two main characters. The production premiered off-Broadway in 2001 and was later made into a film starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan.
Coming productions include, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (Nov. 10-19), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Jan.-19-28), Silent Sky (March 15-24) and Oliver (May 3- 12). Tickets are $99 for all five shows.
Rebuilding the community theatre aspect is especially important to Cronk, who has been networking with other local theatres including Tarpon Arts and the theatre program at the University of South Florida to build a prop and costume sharing relationship.
It’s a smart and easy way to save money, she said adding that she also wants to support and encourage local talent by helping actors with their resumes and accessing professional headshots by working with local photographers.
“I want them to be able to put their best foot forward when they come to audition,” she said, adding that future plans include adding adult improv and master classes to the mix.
In homage to what it once was, the theatre continues the Vintage Movie Series that will feature a showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds on August 4 with preshow entertainment with the Julie Black Duo.
Richey Suncoast is also continuing its partnership with Side Splitters Comedy Club by bringing comedians to the theatre for a monthly show. Next up is Johnny B who will perform on Saturday, August 12.
Add to that some special events that include a Johnny Cash Tribute in a nostalgic nod to the country music star who once vacationed in Port Richey with his wife, June Carter-Cash (Sept. 30), a traditional showing of the Rockey Horror Picture Show with a shadow cast (Oct 20,21,27,28), a Linda Ronstadt Tribute (Nov. 3) A Christmas Carol (Dec-15-17) and a New Year’s Burlesque show (Dec. 29).
Karaoke on the “Big Stage” is a new addition the board is testing out and there’s talk of a musical fundraiser which would showcase songs from upcoming productions. The theatre is also open to rentals from local dance schools and such and in June hosted the Mullins Music Rock Week Camp Concert for free which was a boost for young musicians and the non-profit music school.
Proceeds from shows and rentals help keep the theatre up and running, but more is needed. The current board of directors has been out and about trying to drum up support and funds for the 98-year-old building that is in need of repair and upkeep including a $5,000 bill to extend the life of the roof and more to keep all the air conditioning units running.
Members of the board recently put on a presentation for the “Talk About Town” speaking series and hosted an open house. Some local businesses and individuals have stepped up to help with funds, in-kind donations and sponsorships. The theatre also has an Amazon wish list that patrons can access to donate small and big ticket items. For those with time to spare, the theatre is always looking for volunteers.
“We’re fundraising in a grassroots way,” Cronk said, adding that she and the board welcome feedback from patrons, business owners, and members of the community as to what they would like to see at their local theater.
One way to do that is at the “Sips for the Stage” fundraiser which will be held at another historic landmark – the recently refurbished Hacienda Hotel on Main Street in downtown New Port Richey.
That event will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 29. All proceeds from bar sales will go directly to the theatre. There will be live music and an opportunity to meet actors who will be performing this coming season and members of the board of directors.
Come on out, say hello, and maybe get your tickets for a show. 🙂
The Richey Suncoast Theatre is located at 6237 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey. For information on the 2023-2024 season of shows, audition dates, how to donate/volunteer, sign up for the newsletter and more visit richeysuncoasttheatre.com.
