When it is 110 degrees during the summer in southern Nevada, most residents look for a relief.
And there could be no better way to regain your senses than a night out at beautiful Spring Mountain Ranch outdoor theater, where Super Summer Theatre performances have been thrilling visitors for 33 years.
Spring Mountain Ranch is 10 miles west of the I-215 on Charleston. It is situated along the east side of the Spring Mountain Range and when the sun drops behind the mountains, it becomes a world of its own.
There could have been no better example of the resounding success of Spring Mountain Ranch than on a Wednesday evening in June when a full house packed Spring Mountain Ranch for Beauty and the Beast, a delightful musical and play.
With an 8 p.m. starting time, the crowd started filing in two hours early. Early arrivals enjoyed dinner and a beverage, and those who decided to wait had a long walk to the theater, although the end result was a delightful evening highlighting excellent performers on a colorful stage to the east of the seating.
With natural scenery and Red Rock serving as a breathtaking backdrop, the Super Summer Theatre is worlds away from glitzy Las Vegas. In an area of the country sometimes criticized for a lack of culture, Super Summer Theatre has become such a hit that sold-out performances became the norm in 2008.
Plays began at Spring Mountain Ranch in 1976 with performers doubling as ticket-sellers, park rangers directing traffic and patrons doing most anything to begin a true success story. In 1979, the Junior League and Division of State Parks worked together to create the State Parks Cultural Arts Board, now known as Super Summer Theatre.
According to Lisa Davis, member of the publicity committee for Super Summer Theatre, the first year drew about 3,400 patrons yearning for a getaway and a cool night out. That number increased dramatically to 36,000 in 2007, and officials expect to exceed that number in 2008.
In short, the Super Summer Theatre has grown to become as much a part of Las Vegas as jazz in New Orleans.
Super Summer Theatre has impressive musicals combined with the environment of Spring Mountain Ranch makes for a culture-filled evening away from the hubbub of Las Vegas. For $10 (or $15 at the door), you won’t find a better bargain.
“The atmosphere before a performance just builds on the excitement,” Davis added. “You can feel the enthusiasm in the air as everyone anticipates the show.”
The ’07 Super Summer Theatre included such impressive performances as Ragtime, Jesus Christ Superstar, 110 In the Shade, and Johnny Guitar.
Beauty and the Beast kicked off the schedule June 5-21 in ‘08. The performances drew capacity crowds each night with cars backed up to Highway 159 from 6 p.m. until when the show started at 8 p.m.
Other performances include 1776 (July 10-26); Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA (Aug. 14-30); the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater (Sept. 5-6); and the Jazz Fest, which was scheduled in cooperation the Las Vegas Jazz Society (Sept 12-13).
During the final week of performances, Beauty and the Beast drew incredible followings On each evening, cars were lined up all the way to Highway 159 after 6 p.m. until the start of the show at 8 p.m.
“I’m excited about what the State Parks Cultural Arts Board has been able to accomplish since those first performances in 1976,”
said Davis, a 27-year resident who has been involved with the Super Summer Theatre for the past 10 years. “We have continued to provide affordable entertainment in a wonderful location. It is family entertainment that draws from all walks of life.”
Davis said donors are a big part of the theatre’s success.
“Through the support of our donors, we recently purchased a new sound board,” David said. “This board will take us from Analog to Digital.
The Donald W Reynolds Foundation, thru the effort of Dr Keith Boman, has also donated a new wireless system allowing us to deal with upcoming frequency changes.”
In addition, patrons or enthusiasts can purchase a stone on the Super Summer Theatre Walkway.
“I have a stone on the walkway in memory of my mother,”
Davis said. “It keeps my mom’s memory alive and it also supports great theatre.”
Every show requires an intense concentration of volunteers.
“The show would not go on without our volunteers who work at each show. We’re all volunteers, and we take pride in the end result,” Davis said.
Super Summer Theatre continues to grow each year with even better performances.
“In ’09, performances of the Buddy Holly Story, West Side Story and Once Upon An Island will continue to entertain our audience,” said Davis.
Further information may be obtained at www.supersummertheatre.com.
Mike Henle is a Las Vegas-based freelance writer and author of the book “Through the Darkness: One Man’s Fight to Overcome Epilepsy.” He can be contacted at mhenle@aol.com or through his Web site www.mikehenle.com.
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