Theater founder Rodger Hoopman cuts a ribbon to begin the second 50 years of Carmichael’s Chautauqua Playhouse. Chautauqua directors, staffers and Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members join the celebration at La Sierra Community center. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – A second half-century has begun for Carmichael’s only community theater, the Chautauqua Playhouse.

Nearly 200 supporters recently joined a celebration banquet at the La Sierra Center, where the intimate playhouse is housed.

The Chatauqua Players began a long roster of shows in 1975, by staging “Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” in the Eagle Theater, Old Sacramento. A Sherlock Holmes drama followed. The success of the two productions led the group to seek its own performing space.

The company soon occupied what Hoopman recalled as a “leaky warehouse,” at 25th and R Streets. Here, seats were filled for evening shows. A children’s theater program was also developed.

When an arsonist destroyed this building in 1983, the players headed for Carmichael. Their forever theater was established in the shuttered La Sierra High School campus. Now a community facility, the La Sierra Center is run by Carmichael Recreation and Park District.

Chautauqua Playhouse founder and producer Rodger Hoopman (right) and co-producer Warren Harrison accept civic resolutions celebrating a half-century of shows. Presenter is Natalya Sachuk, representing Assemblyman Josh Hoover. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Productions are staged thick and fast in Chautauqua’s 95-seat arena. Open almost every weekend, offerings include mainstage adult dramas, children’s productions and a live radio series where actors duplicate vintage radio broadcasts for audiences.

Currently playing is “Dial M for Murder,” based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s movie thriller.  Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Princess and the Pea” will open for family audiences on April 25.

“One thing I learned through the process of our first 50 years is that a theater location is not as important as its audience,” founder Rodger Hoopman told the fundraiser banquet audience.

“We’re grateful for our ‘Chautauqua family’ of supporters. This ‘little treasure in the heart of Carmichael’ made it through the pandemic. We hope for the strength and support to survive for another 50 years.”

The Chatauqua Playhouse is located at 5325 Engle Road, Carmichael.

For information on upcoming performances, visit www.CPlayhouse.org.