Centralia College East initiated the production of musicals in spring 1986 by offering classes in Applied Drama and Drama Directing, both taught by June Rowland. The classes presented a scripted variety show called Notes on a Reunion.
Since then Oklahoma!, Music Man, Paint Your Wagon, and Showboat were produced under the direction of Dee Morton. Logger’s Lament, 1992, was directed by Richard Bienvenu. In 1994 The Unsinkable Molly Brown was directed by Brent Nice. Susan Carhart directed Annie Get Your Gun in 1996, Fiddler on the Roof in 1998, and Once Upon a Mattress in 2000. Summer 2002, Kelli Fitzsimmons directed The Sound of Music. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers raised the roof of the Morton High School gym in 2004 under Brad Nelson’s direction. Last summer South Pacific, directed by Lynne Olmos inaugurated the newly renovated Roxy Theater. All were produced by Centralia College with the sponsorship of Centralia College East Organization of Students, Centralia College East Advisory Committee, plus many local organizations, businesses, and individuals, including major sponsor Security State Bank. Morton School District (2000-2004) and Fire Mountain Arts Council (2004-2007) have joined the college in presenting these summer musicals.
Proceeds beyond production costs fund scholarships for Centralia College students from eastern Lewis County, support future productions, and help fund theater improvements, now at the Roxy Theater in downtown Morton.
This year, Gypsy, with Security State Bank and DeVaul Publishing Inc. offering major support, shares the Roxy stage with four professional shows—live theatre June through August! It is our hope that, through the efforts of the many participants and dedicated community support, Centralia College East and Fire Mountain Arts Council may continue to bring outstanding musical theater to eastern Lewis County.
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