Garza Theatre History

   "Today's Garza began as a dream of the city's founder, Charles William Post of "Post Toasties" fame.  He dreamed of a self-sufficient city that would provide everything its townspeople would need.  To him, that meant including a theatre.  Mr. Post did not live to see this happen 
    But in early 1986 the Caprock Cultural Association persuaded a "native son" to return home and begin theatre productions.  After three plays, he seized the opportunity to realize a dream of his own and reopened the theatre.
    Will McCrary, a veteran of 41 years of professional theatre experience,  became the driving force behind the theatre project, accepting the challenge of being the director, designer, producer and actor of the 'new' Garza Theatre.
      "It's a new challenge for me and an opportunity to take advantage of my life-long training in every aspect of the theatre." McCrary said.

  The city-owned theatre building, dating from 1916, originally served as a movie theatre.  It was permanently shuttered in 1955, but two years later vandals broke in and set a fire, which caused extensive damage in the stage area.  The building was boarded up front and back for the next 30 years.
    The money for refurbishing and redecorating included donations from private citizens as well as area-wide enthusiasts and included special "Angels" such as Dina Merrill, the actress and granddaughter of founder C. W.  Post.
    The theatre was honored in November 1987 with an Action Award from the West Texas Museum Association in Lubbock for its "outstanding contributions to the enrichment and culture of the Southern High Plains."
    McCrary was proud of his semi-professional band of performers, working on the theory that "there are no bad actors, just bad directors".   McCrary succumbed to an untimely death in 1991, but his legacy lives on as cast members were inspired to continue and build on his direction of quality productions.
    Jane Prince Jones led the theatre, as director for three years during the dark times following McCrary's death.  Christy Morris is now the managing director, working with area directors and actors and continuing the tradition.
    McCrary had adapted the old "Hardley Saddler" tent shows to the Garza stage, which is still a favorite summer treat and tradition.  
The theatre has its own annual awards night dinner, where acting and technical awards, called "Willy's", are presented to the deserving cast members.  A multitude of local actors have had the opportunity of stage experiences in The Garza Theatre as it celebrated its 100th production with the musical comedy "Lil Abner" in July 1998.

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