Locally renowned theater celebrates 60 years
By Penny Reynolds

After the official lighting of the Courthouse Square holiday lights on Tuesday, Dec. 5, everyone is invited to an open house at the Cherokee Civic Theatre, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., to celebrate the theater's 60th birthday.

It was on Friday, Dec. 20, 1946, that the brand-new Cherokee Theatre opened to great fanfare.

The Rusk High School band, under the direction of H. H. Carsey played a concert; opening ceremonies included a welcoming address by Mayor M. M. Guinn.

All the glitter, lights, fanfare and excitement of a big-city premier.

The gala opening-night featured the movie "In Old Sacramento" starring Bill Elliot and Constance Moore; a technicolor musical and a Walt Disney cartoon.

Then, in 1972, Zula Pearson, head of the Lon Morris College Drama Department, and a Rusk resident, wrote and directed a local dinner theatre production at the New Southern Motor Hotel, in conjunction with the Indian Summer Arts and Crafts Fair.

The success of the production inspired a group of Rusk citizens to form the Rusk Little Theatre Group.

In March, 1973, the group had an open meeting with residents from throughout Cherokee county.

As a result, The Cherokee Civic Theatre was created to represent all of Cherokee county.

The first production of the new theater group was "Barefoot in the Park", presented in July 1973.

The building's first major renovation was in 1991; and, thanks to work crews from the Hodge Unit of TDCJ, the dressing rooms, make-up area and actor's lounge & office are being currently renovated. You are invited to this "art deco gem" 's Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 6:30- 8:30pm, right after the official lighting of the Courthouse Square holiday lights.

Celebrate Cherokee County history while touring the results of the latest renovations.

The Cherokee Civic Theatre is located on West 5th Street, right off the square, about 25 miles south of Bullard on U.S. 69.