DUBOIS – Cultural Resources (CRI) was incorporated in 1990 for the purpose of purchasing and remodeling the Cornerstone Church and managing it as the Reitz Theater.
According to the Reitz Theater Web site, CRI’s mission is to provide a center for the performing arts and to foster and broaden community opportunity to enjoy the arts through a year-round schedule of events and performances presented through the auspices of the Paul G. Reitz Theater.
The Reitz Theater located in downtown DuBois, opened its doors in late 1992 with a production of ‘Steel Magnolias’ on a brand new stage, said Deb Grieve, theater administrator. There have been five to six productions each year, since overseen by the in-house company, the Reitz Theater Players.
“Over the past 20 years, the stage has housed a great variety of plays and musicals, from Shakespeare to Sondheim, mystery to musical and farce to family entertainment,” Grieve said.
The CRI’s vision states, “We believe in the uniqueness of the arts as a vehicle for self-discovery, for civic and social enrichment, for enhancing the economy of a community, for helping to revitalize an urban core, for energizing the education of our citizens of all ages and for stimulation of intellectual curiosity and growth.”
“In the twenty years of our existence, we have seen tremendous growth and beautification of this city, and are proud to be part of it,” Grieve said.
The building saw many improvements during its first decade. Some of those changes are: installation of theater-style seats, refinished and reupholstered from their original home in the old Pershing Hotel; addition of theatrical lighting; construction of an annex which accommodates handicap accessibility, a box office and various art installations.
CRI’s newest remodeling project, that is almost completed after three years, includes the installation of a new roof, painting the steeple, new exterior doors, carpeting and painting the theater interior, pouring new concrete steps and porch, purchasing new lighting instruments, upgrading the sound system and power washing the building exterior, Greive said. This project was made possible with a state DCED grant, as well as grants from McLean Contributionship, the Gray Family Foundation and a DuBois Façade Grant.
“In celebration of our 20 fantastic years of presenting theater to the DuBois Community we are presenting Red Carpet Revue: A Broadway Celebration,” Grieve said. “We have invited many of our most talented musical performers from shows throughout our 20 years to participate.”
Music for the Red Carpet Revue: A Broadway Celebration will include: Oliver!, Man of La Mancha, Wizard of Oz, Trailer Park, Into the Woods and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. As well as some other favorites from Broadway shows.
The Red Carpet Revue: A Broadway Celebration begins at 6 p.m. on June 9, at Central Catholic High School. The evening will include Hor d’ Oeuvres and cash bar, the entertainment and then concludes with dancing until midnight to the DJ music of Goodtime Express. Cost is $25 a ticket. For more information about The Red Carpet Revue: A Broadway Celebration can be directed to their Web site or 814-375-4274.
