About the Historic  Mountain Village of Oakhurst, California




Page Translation

 

The Old Vault

Stories through the years about the Golden Chain Theatre

 Half-million set as goal to build Victorian theater
 

By Morgan Voorhis
of the Sierra Star

.    There is an old tried-and-true proverb: “If you can see it, you can dream it. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”
    J.R. Froelich has a dream — one that was revealed at the annual Golden Chain Theatre awards ceremony last Saturday night.
    “Tonight I propose that we implement a plan for a new home in the year 2005,” said Mr. Froelich, resident villain and Golden Chain vice president.
    “I propose that we begin to develop plans to build a new home on this very site. A magnificent three-story Victorian melodrama theater the likes of which you won’t find in any other city in the world.”


    He then spoke of his goal to raise at least $500,000 within the next five years, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, if all goes according to plan, in 2005.
    To get the ball rolling, an anonymous theater member donated $2,500 for the cause.
    Mr. Froelich says the idea of a new theater came about because of the increasing expense of maintaining the old Snowline bowling alley, which the Golden Chain theatre bought decades ago. (Just last year, members celebrated being “mortgage-less” for the first time.)
    During casual conversation, Mr. Froelich mentioned his idea to theater president, Roger Clugston, and in November, the Golden Chain Theatre board approved the project.
    Given a green-light to proceed, Mr. Froelich contacted local architect, Patrice Jensen, who donated her time and talent to create an artist rendering of what the building “could” look like.
    “At this stage, we have more questions than answers,” admits Mr. Froelich. “We expect Cal Trans will have a very expensive input to our plans because of our [current] ingress and egress.
    “But this is a successful organization and has been so for more than 30 years,” he adds.
    “Many well known and respected people in this community have been a part of this theater … either in the building of it, acting on stage, or helping behind the scenes … and there is no reason why county officials would not support this project 100%.”
    Raising half-a-million dollars is quite an undertaking, but many ideas are already being bandied about in terms of fund-raisers and possible grants.
    “This theatre began as a dream of the Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce,” explains Mr. Froelich. “It was developed to get [Yosemite] park visitors and other travelers to stop in Oakhurst, rest a spell and enjoy some great entertainment while they’re here.
    “I see no reason why we shouldn’t build on this dream … but we’ve got to have a good show of backing to get this project off the ground … and we have no shame in asking for money.”
    The Golden Chain Theatre opens its 33rd season on March 30 with “A Shrouded Undertaking.”
    To become a Golden Chain member, which runs $8 yearly, applicants and monies must be received by January 31.
    Member information or donations: J.R. Froelich, 683-4397 (evenings); 642-5149 (pager).

GOLDEN CHAIN THEATRE 30 GOLDEN YEARS

By D'Elle Milton

Thirty years ago the Chamber of Commerce in Oakhurst pondered how to make the community more attractive to visitors and boost the local economy. John Malone, the president of the chamber at that time, proposed that the community develop a melodrama theater to enhance their rich, gold country history. The popularity of melodrama would bring new business to local restaurants, lodging and shops.

A committee was formed to develop plans. The name came from the fact that the original theater was close to where Highway 49, known as the Golden Chain Highway, ended at Highway 41. The founders were interested in preserving the melodrama style which was common in California mining towns such as Oakhurst (known in the old days as Fresno Flats), and nearby "Grub Gulch" during the 19th century.

The first performance by the newly formed theatrical group was "The Drunkard", a classic of melodrama theater. It opened in June of 1968 and ran for fifteen performances.

Community involvement has been key to the longevity of The Golden Chain Theatre, believed to be the oldest, nonprofit, all volunteer melodrama theater in the United States.

Hallmarks included the Grub Gulch Garter Girls with their authentic "Can-Can" dances and the Grub Gulch Grannies with their hilarious antics. Maintaining the tradition included olio performances (short vignettes between the regular scenes), booing the villain and cheering the hero while sighing with the heroine. Root beer, hot dogs, beer and popcorn were the standard fare at the show.

In 1973, The Golden Chain Theatre acquired a new home. The Snowline Bowling Alley was in foreclosure. With the help of some of the founding members (in some cases using their home as collateral) a loan was arranged to purchase the building.

In January of 1974 the major remodeling task was begun. Volunteers ripped out the ceiling so it could be raised, and the roof was repaired. The stage was built and walls were put up between what would become the theater and dressing rooms, the bar was redone and hundreds of gallons of paint were lovingly applied.

Trying to raise much needed funds, the troop took their act on the road, performing in places such as the Fresno Hilton Hotel. According to old reports, the biggest ovations went to the men who performed their specialized rendition of the Can-Can.

Opening night in 1975 held tragedy for the fledgling theater. June 19 was to be the first performance of the season with Leigh Riley playing the villain in "Gold In The Hills". On the way to the theater he was killed in an accident and the director, Charles Randall took over as the villain until he could find a replacement. To this day, some folks claim the presence of Leigh Riley is felt in the theatre.

"Ten Years of Success -or- History of the Golden Chain Theatre" was written in 1977 by local educator Marie P. Mark, and has been the source of much of the aforementioned history.

In 1989 a mini-melodrama was created and some of the cast began performing short, one act plays at other locations. Columbia, Fresno, Madera and Bass Lake have all been venues for the traveling melodramas. Special performances at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad are scheduled for August 2 and September 6, 1998. These will include dinner, show and moonlight train ride. (See page 6 for more information)

Roger Clugston, current president of the theater's Board of Directors, and playwright, organized The Boothill Gang in 1988. The "gunfighters of the Old West" became part of the "GCT" and have performed in several shows. In 1993 the Boothill Gang competed in the Calico National Gunfighter Competition and came home with the first place trophy and $1,000 in prize money.

Last year The Golden Chain Theatre donated more than $3,000 to local charities. "In celebration of our 30th season we rededicated our commitment to our community to provide good, wholesome entertainment" declares Clugston.

Their 31st (98) season opens April 3 with "Dirty Rotten Doings at Grub Gulch" (written by Roger Clugston), and runs through May 9. June 18 will see "Ten Nights in a Barroom" (a melodrama classic) open through July 25.

The Golden Chain Theatre, a slice of history preserved through dedication by a community who enjoys their efforts, welcomes all who wish to participate. Prior experience is not necessary! Come, cheer the hero! Hiss the villain!

Golden Chain Theatre - P.O. Box 604, Oakhurst, CA 93644 :  Email:  gctinfo@gmail.com
Reservations/Information:  (559) 683-7112  -or- gctboxoffice@gmail.com Click here for directions to the Golden Chain Theatre