SOME ENCHANTED EVENING - GRAND OPENING AT THE LOFTE COMMUNITY THEATRE
Contributed by Anne Pope
The Lofte Community Theatre held an invitation-only Grand Opening celebration on Friday, August 4, 2006. The event was an opportunity to specifically thank those patrons who donated large amounts to the capital campaign, served on the steering committee, or have been a source of special support to the Lofte over its 30-year history. A public open house and ribbon-cutting celebration will be held later this year to benefit the general public.

The evening’s theme of “Some Enchanted Evening” coincided with the Lofte’s production of Rogers’ and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. As such, the barn was decked out in palm trees, tiki torches and beautiful tropical flowers. Adding to the fun was the fact that most of the guests came dressed in their favorite tropical garb! Hawaiian shirts and leis were the choice of attire for many.

Guests began arriving at 4:30 p.m. and took advantage of guided tours of the new theatre facility. One of the more popular tour guides was Mike Spohr. Mike has been a Lofte board member for several years and has worked very closely on every aspect of the building’s construction. Therefore, he had some great information and stories to share. Everyone had the chance to not only see the beautiful new timber-frame style lobby and house, but also got a peek at the huge stage, green room and shop area – places normal theatre-goers never get to see.

A wonderful buffet supplied by Kris Raasch (a long-time member of the Lofte family) and his restaurant “Krem Le Bistro” provided wonderful fare for the hungry crowd. In step with the “Enchanted Evening” theme were seafood appetizers, and pina colada punch.

At 6:00 p.m., after a brief welcome by Lofte Chairman, Larry Bauers, an official presentation began. Kevin Colbert outlined the Lofte’s history and recognized many of the important people who have been an integral part of its development, including Diane (Bjornborg) Reece. Diane was the young high school teacher who had the idea to start the theatre back in 1977. Also recognized was the family of Howard and Renstina Rathe whose generous nature and hard work allowed the “Born-in-a-Barn-Players” to operate out of their barn for many years.

Kara Habrock thanked many, including her family, for their help in raising funds for the new facility. Representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture were also on hand to officially present a loan check in the amount of $1.596 million. The USDA was the organization that made it possible for the Lofte to initiate construction in the fall of 2005. Without them, fundraising would have had to continue for several more years without the possibility of even breaking ground.

After the presentation, many of the specially invited guests chose to stay for the evening’s performance of South Pacific. Smiles and applause were in bountiful supply at the end of this truly “Enchanted Evening.”