You have just finished a wonderful dinner at the new bistro, and you window-shop at the boutiques and bookstores along the way.
You pass a marquee and see that a children's theatre production will open the next day. You notice that the 99-seat house across the street is finishing its latest run of an Arthur Miller drama.
As you pass an outdoor cafe you see that the tables are filled with local college students, couples on dates, and senior citizens from the neighborhood. You look forward to an after- theatre cappuccino and some jazz.
While strolling along, you remember the big ceremony that was held when the most recent star was dedicated along the Western Walk of Stars. Tourists came from Southern California and around the country to mingle with the press and local citizens and dignitaries. You re- flect on how popular the entire valley has become as a tourist destination since its historical center was remodeled and restored.
As you approach the theatre, you admire how pretty it is. It reminds you of the opera houses of Leadville and Central City, Colorado.
The lobby is beautiful, and the Stage Door Canteen is doing a booming business. As you settle into your seat and the lights dim, you think of how fortunate you are to live in a city where first-class culture is only minutes away. You smile as the curtain goes up on another Canyon Theatre Guild production. . . .
The Guild is interested in the revitalization and renewal of historic downtown Newhall and, after 25 years in the Santa Clarita Valley, is looking to make downtown Newhall its per- manent home.
Since 1986, the Guild has rented Callahan's Old West on Sierra Highway on a month-to- month basis. Over the past ten years, the Guild has built a substantial clientele and has be- come self-supporting.
This has enabled the Guild to make improvements to the existing building. However, with- out the security of a long-term lease, the Guild cannot make the necessary enhancements and expansions that its growth demands.
In the spring, the Canyon Theatre Guild presented to the Santa Clarita City Council a proposal to purchase space in the downtown Newhall area. The Guild is ready to commit its funds and volunteer labor to the project.
The project includes the purchase and remodeling of a commercial building that would house theatre offices, costume and property storage, and a set construction shop.
The proposed theatre would bring over 500 people per weekend to the new restaurants, shops and cafes that are expected to open as the Newhall revitalization plan is im- plemented.
The board of directors and membership includes community leaders and artists of profes- sional caliber. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Guild stages a wide array of theatrical pro- ductions, from musicals and children's theatre to comedies and dramas. It draws on the tal- ents of local community members.
Two productions are on-stage right now at the Canyon Theatre, which is currently located at 13660 Sierra Highway in Saugus.
Little Shop of Horrors is playing at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 7.
Also on stage is the Children's Theatre production of Alice in Wonderland by Anne Coulter Martens. It is playing at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 6, with a 7 p.m. performance on Sunday, July 7.
We will finally have an artistic center in this valley, as art galleries, bookstores, coffee houses and nightlife will surely follow.
And the Canyon Theatre Guild will finally be home.