There were only nine cast members in the 2008 performance of Christmas Belles at the historic Crighton Theatre. Still, it was a big leap for the fledgling theater company, Stage Right of Texas, which had just been created to provide quality theatrical productions and to supply a needed source of income for the historic theater. The Crighton, which opened in 1935, is one of only about 10 extant theaters in Texas of its vintage and is a member of the League of Historical American Theaters.
Amy Sowers and Melody Montez were both members of Stage Right’s original Christmas Belles cast, and both are still passionate about the theater company–sixteen years and dozens of productions later. Amy is now president of Stage Right, and Melody is now the executive director of the Crighton Theatre’s Board of Directors; both women regularly participate in Stage Right productions, too. They are proud that Stage Right, the resident theater company of the Crighton Theatre, presents six lavish, well-attended productions each year, providing the money needed for the theater’s upkeep. “In return, we have a home, and we are so blessed to have a theater like that,” Amy says. Even well-known theaters in Houston, she says, can’t match the character of the Crighton Theatre.
Construction on the Crighton Theatre began in 1934, during the Great Depression. Oil had made Conroe a boomtown, however, and Mayor Harry Crighton had been successful in the oil business. His theater featured ornate, Italian-Romanesque architecture and an interior that resembled a Venetian garden. The theater seated more than 500—roughly half the population of Conroe at the time. “It’s very unusual for an old theater to have this many seats,” Melody says. According to legend, the mayor wanted the entire town to be able to enjoy the air conditioning in the theater. The Conroe Courier called it “the very latest in electrical refrigeration which will enable the theatre goers to enjoy the comforts of mountain weather on the very hottest days of summer.” Surprisingly, this modern structure was located on an unpaved street.
The Crighton was built for vaudeville productions and later became a movie theater, but over time, the theater once known as “the crown jewel of Montgomery County” lost its shine. After it was closed in 1967, leaks in the roof caused water damage, and the interior became the home of pigeons, snakes, rodents, and spiders. After ten years of neglect, the Crighton was rescued by a zealous community effort. Renovations included modern upgrades, yet the historicity of the building was preserved.
The 90-year-old theater needs continual maintenance, and over the years, Stage Right has provided about $100,000 per year for that purpose. Meanwhile, it has thrilled the community with many memorable productions, including West Side Story, Clue, Grease, Tarzan, and Buddy Holly Story. About 10 years later, people still talk about Singing’ in the Rain, which featured rain onstage. And the tradition continues. This season’s lineup includes The Play that Goes Wrong, Dracula, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Big the Musical, Shakespeare in Love, and The Wedding Singer. Stage Right boasts nearly 1,000 season ticketholders.
Stage Right also sponsors Bravo Company, which offers reasonably-priced acting classes for children ages five through 18. Students learn such skills as characterization, improvisation, and the healthy use of voice; at the same time, they learn life lessons, such as teamwork and the ability to read other people’s body language. Amy likes to say that Bravo Company is “raising the next generation to take care of the theater.”
Stage Right has produced many family-friendly plays and musicals in the past, Melody says, but has lately performed some “less vanilla” productions, such as Spamalot, In the Heights, and West Side Story. Dracula is Stage Right’s first true horror production, says Austin Atherton, who plays Dracula. Austin was a drama student at Conroe High School; when he recently moved back to Conroe, he discovered Stage Right. Like many actors, he was wowed by the beauty, the history, and the acoustics of the Crighton Theatre. “I love the theater, and it’s a dream role,” Austin says.
Melody is excited about the cast she has assembled for Dracula, which will be performed October 18 through November 3. “I think I might have outdone myself,” she says with a smile. She hand-picked Austin to play the role after seeing his recent performance as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. She is certain his towering height and large build will make him a memorable Dracula. She cast her son Ian Montez in the role of Harker. Ian participated in his first Stage Right production when he was six years old; he earned a part in Cheaper by the Dozen when he showed up to audition in a 1930s costume.
Timothy Eggert, who plays the part of Abraham Van Helsing in Dracula, is a veteran of the local theater scene. He has participated in countless area productions, as well as four previous Stage Right plays, including Clue and The Producers. Like many actors, he enjoys performing at the Crighton. “This by far is the most historic and ornate venue where I have performed,” he says.
Elysze Ramis, who debuted at the Crighton as Anita in West Side Story and plays Mina in Dracula, agrees. She moved from California about two years ago, but says even the theaters in San Diego can’t compare to the Crighton. She likes the beauty of the theater and the grandeur of the stage. “It’s not often you see that kind of old, historic look,” she says.
Meanwhile, Amy is excited the local premiere of a new musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be presented at the Crighton Theatre November 29 through December 15. “It will be a good family production,” Amy says, noting the musical extols the virtues of hard work and good behavior. “I know it’s going to be fabulous,” she says.
Stage Right is an all-volunteer organization, and its membership includes people with a variety of abilities and experience. While some members act, others serve as ushers, carpenters, costume makers, and lighting and sound technicians. New members are always welcome, and are especially needed when the theater company produces elaborate musicals. Matt Wehring, who plays Silent Attendant One in Dracula, discovered this when he participated in his first Stage Right production. He was “wowed” by the size of Stage Right’s productions and says, “I have found my home.”
For more information, visit stage-right.org.
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