Tehachapi News

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Tehachapi Community Theatre president Karl Schuck has announced that TCT has reached a milestone figure of $50,000 to complete and equip the BeeKay Theatre, currently undergoing reconstruction.

“It’s delightful to be only $10,000 from our final target. The citizens and merchants of Tehachapi have been unbelievably generous,” Schuck said.

The City of Tehachapi has combined a National Park Service grant with redevelopment agency funds in order to reproduce the theatre’s structure. TCT, designated as the primary user of the facility, is responsible for completing the project, including interior finishes, chandeliers, chairs, risers, murals, tiling, carpeting, curtains, lighting and sound equipment.

TCT’s most recent fundraising effort was an opportunity drawing which climaxed at the recent Mountain Festival as over 20 winners were drawn from a drum full of tickets sold over the previous months. Naming rights for chairs and other fittings continue to be available from the theatre, call 822-4037 for more information.

Although TCT will be the primary user, and will operate the building on the City’s behalf, the venue will be available for many other events and performing arts groups, as well as proving a comfortable location for City Council meetings, probably beginning in January.

A Holiday Sneak Peek is planned for Christmas Parade Day on December 6, as local performing arts groups will be invited to take the stage throughout the day. Also planned is a New Year’s Eve Gala and grand opening parties for volunteers and benefactors. The first full TCT production will be the musical “Oliver!” scheduled to open in February.

Prize winners and gift donors included a mini home theatre system from Hook Me Up Satellites claimed by Heather Ringle; a gas bbq from K-Mart and services by Sparkle Steam Carpet Cleaning both to Monica Nadon; Albertson’s Gift Card, Barbara Shacklock; Save Mart Gift Certificate to J. Alvord, Mama Hilly Bean’s Gift Certificate Anne Peper; Tastefully Simple Gift Baskets by Valinda Jockinsen went to Valerie Christy and Janice Miller; The Body & Bath Boutique Gift Basket, Donald Peck; Books and Crannies Gift Certificate, Penny DeHart; The Heat Source 5 piece fireplace tool set, Veronica Miller; Don Juan’s Grill Dinner Gift Card and Nature’s Pantry Gift Certificate to Ray Bilger; Olan Mills Portrait Sitting,  Holly Hughes; Don Juan’s Grill Dinner Gift Card Karen Fisher; and hand-made afghans from Barbara Chugg of BJ Creations went to J. Alvord,  Mark Williams  and the Ziegler family.

Tehachapi Furniture Store donated a Recliner that went to Kim Vespa; Tehachapi Community Theatre 10 free tickets, Madeline Smith; Sue Zhou, CMT 1 Hour Massage to Cindy Latham; Disneyland donated 2 One Day Passes for Robert Lugibihl,; Picture Perfect and Stamps of Approval Gift Certificate was awarded to Scott Ringle.