Cloverdale Comments by Carol Russell and Reece Foxen - May 2017
So begins the brochure for the 2017 season of the
CPAC’s original champion was long-time City Council Member Mary Ann Brigham who has served on its Board of Directors since its inception. In the mid-2000s, her bold concept of a multi-dimensional theatre experience was realized through her business savvy and drive, partnered with exceptional talents, knowledge and skills of volunteers plus donors’ generosity.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CPAC was also envisioned a new economic stream into our downtown core that would “go beyond dollars” to bring our diverse community together while providing creative learning opportunities for young people who were budding artists, musicians, writers and actors and/or who found fulfillment through the priceless learning experience of working behind the scenes.
Affectionately known as Sonoma County’s “godfather of the theater”, the late, great Jim de Priest became CPAC’s first Artistic Director with the historic Grange building providing the venue for early productions.
Soon, however, the opportunity arose to purchase and renovate a much larger building at 209 Cloverdale Boulevard. With the City facilitating Redevelopment funding, Mary Ann “calling in every chip” she could, the unswerving focus of the Board, construction expert Roger Quintin leading the extensive remodeling process plus big-hearted donations of money and materials – paired with the hard work of a dedicated team of onsite volunteers-the new stage, sound room, backstage and lobby were completed. (Not to mention wires run, walls painted, carpet laid, seats installed, etc., etc.) Result: The fabulous 99-seat Cloverdale Performing Arts Center came alive!
Yavé Guzman, who became CPAC’s Artistic Director upon Jim’s retirement in 2014, acquired an interest in theater at age 12. Stephen Cannon, his teacher at Washington Middle School, and Anne Boone, his drama teacher Cloverdale High School, encouraged Yavé to explore his passion. During college, a meeting with Jim de Priest resulted in his becoming an actor in CPAC’s first play.
A creative young man of artistic passion combined with intellect, warmth and common sense, it’s clear Yavé understands the profound significance of live theater to professionals, whether on stage or backstage, as well as to their audiences.
So here we are, celebrating CPAC’s ABFAB 10th Anniversary!Join us at the gala: Sat., May 13th, starting 5:30 pm, at CPAC, 209 No. Cloverdale Blvd. Buy tix online atcloverdaleperformingarts.com; The Mail Center, Etc., 207-A No. Cloverdale Blvd.; or at CPAC before the event (if tix are still available!).
Come enjoy the music of Mitchel Slade and Ashley Holmberg from the Two Lions Band. Dance to Courtin’ Disaster in CPAC’s beautifully tented backlot party venue. Partake of delicious food, wine and beer provided by generous Cloverdale restaurants. Delight in the CHS Improv team. Enjoy Pop-up theater, interactive make-up sessions and much more. Top your evening with Senator Mike McGuire as he runs the Live Auction! (Complete with mini-theatrical presentations highlighting each item!)
P.S. May is typical of CPAC’s variety and popularity! 5/5 @ 7:30 p.m. it’s Dirty Cello withRebecca Roudman and her band back by demand ($20); 5/11 @ 7 p.m. it’s Books on Stage with award-winning authorBernard Cooper (suggested donation $10); 5/20 @ 7 pm. it’sOpen Mike which draws performers from around the County (Free, but donations appreciated!). More shows through June. Get tix:cloverdaleperformingarts.com.
Over the next decade, we’ll each play a vital role in CPAC’s continued success. For, as fabled acting coach Viola Spolin reminded us long ago: “Without an audience there is no theater.”
