NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
A local theatre company in Pittsburg ( California ) is asking for community support after a fire destroyed their warehouse, which contained more than 40 years’ worth of props, costumes, sets, and historical records, just four days before their next performance.
The Pittsburg Theatre Company, part of the community since 1979, saw its storage site on John Henry Johnson Parkway go up in flames on Sunday. Board member and actor Michael Wilson received an alarm company call about smoke near the bathrooms. “By the time I arrived, flames were already visible, and I knew everything was lost,” Wilson said.
Contra Costa County Fire crews said strong winds quickly spread the fire to a nearby hillside, burning 55 acres before they could extinguish it. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fire public information officer Lauren Ono said, “The wind contributed to the fire spreading from the building to the surrounding vegetation.”
The fire destroyed all the theatre’s archives, including show programs, photographs, and newspaper clippings. “This loss is beyond words,” said board member Alice Lustre. “We had old show posters and so much more stored there.”
Despite this setback, the theatre company is determined to move forward with their production of Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys,” scheduled to open Friday at 8 p.m. Director Dianna Schepers is calling on the community to help with donations so the show can go on. “We’re very grateful for all the support. Furniture is being delivered, and I’m reprinting materials for the set,” Schepers said.
The loss impacts other Bay Area theatre companies as well, since they often share sets and costumes. “Our loss is their loss too,” said Schepers.
The Pittsburg Theatre Company has set up a Phoenix Fund to help rebuild and listed needed items on their website. Schepers encourages community members to support the performances to boost the actors’ spirits during this challenging time.
For more information and to donate, visit the Pittsburg Theatre Company’s website or contact them directly.
