The scene opens with the start of London Frontier Theatre’s eleventh season in the dusty little cowtown of Magdalena, New Mexico. It’s January, with cold winds whistling past the adobe walls of Magdalena’s historic old WPA gymnasium on Main Street. But there’s no snow on the ground, only a light dusting of white atop the Magdalena Mountains behind the Village. A dry year: will the cattle and wildlife be able to find forage? And in this desperate season, will London Frontier and its venerable venue survive?
A cliff-hanger from another new play, or an episode from one of LFTC’s popular serials? No; this is reality, the triumphs and struggles of a small, non-profit theatre company, producer of over 40 plays created from the area’s vivid multi-culture, striving to continue serving our area and New Mexico.
It’s not melodrama: there are no villains, only a host of heroes – steadfast, with quiet strength, brave in support and defense. Who are these heroic Westerners (with a few Easterners thrown in)? London Frontier’s attendees, individual and business contributors (of cash, services, costumes, etc.), Magdalena Schools board, Village trustees, our state representative, a US senator, and of course, the hard-working theatre casts and crews. And now, the USDA (with support from NM Economic Development, Secretary Rick Homans, and REAP), has ridden into town on a white horse.
We've just received word that London Frontier is eligible for/will receive $23,500 (35% of purchase price of $68,000) in a USDA "Community Facilities"grant (for which we 'd applied) for purchase of the grand old Works Progress Administration Building that has been our (rented, now leased from Schools) venue for five years.
Is this the final scene, everyone gathered to celebrate the rescue of London Frontier’s stage, with much cheering as the curtain falls? No – only the end of Act I, with cheering, yes, but with ominous music in the background.
The Theatre is still in danger, for the grant of $23,500 is dependent on LFTC raising the other 65% ($44,500) by May 12, 2006. :eek:
Will the strongbox with the cash make it to the high-plains Village & the valiant audiences and company of the besieged Theatre? Will other grantors, who have been applied to for help, send funds to save LFTC’s home and the future Magdalena Performance /Arts Center? Or will London Frontier bite the dust, defending to the last its historic venue?
Will a cavalry of donors ride to the rescue? A $5,000 general leading? Captains of $1,000? Or a contingent of brave troopers, each giving their best? We’ll hold the fort as long as we can, hoping....
Is that bugles we hear?
For contact/further information/donations: London Frontier Theatre Company (a 501[3]c non-profit organization; donations tax-deductible), PO Box 1126, 502 Main, Magdalena, NM 87825;
The scene opens with the start of London Frontier Theatre’s eleventh season in the dusty little cowtown of Magdalena, New Mexico. It’s January, with cold winds whistling past the adobe walls of Magdalena’s historic old WPA gymnasium on Main Street. But there’s no snow on the ground, only a light dusting of white atop the Magdalena Mountains behind the Village. A dry year: will the cattle and wildlife be able to find forage? And in this desperate season, will London Frontier and its venerable venue survive?
A cliff-hanger from another new play, or an episode from one of LFTC’s popular serials? No; this is reality, the triumphs and struggles of a small, non-profit theatre company, producer of over 40 plays created from the area’s vivid multi-culture, striving to continue serving our area and New Mexico.
It’s not melodrama: there are no villains, only a host of heroes – steadfast, with quiet strength, brave in support and defense. Who are these heroic Westerners (with a few Easterners thrown in)? London Frontier’s attendees, individual and business contributors (of cash, services, costumes, etc.), Magdalena Schools board, Village trustees, our state representative, a US senator, and of course, the hard-working theatre casts and crews. And now, the USDA (with support from NM Economic Development, Secretary Rick Homans, and REAP), has ridden into town on a white horse.
We've just received word that London Frontier is eligible for/will receive $23,500 (35% of purchase price of $68,000) in a USDA "Community Facilities"grant (for which we 'd applied) for purchase of the grand old Works Progress Administration Building that has been our (rented, now leased from Schools) venue for five years.
Is this the final scene, everyone gathered to celebrate the rescue of London Frontier’s stage, with much cheering as the curtain falls? No – only the end of Act I, with cheering, yes, but with ominous music in the background.
The Theatre is still in danger, for the grant of $23,500 is dependent on LFTC raising the other 65% ($44,500) by May 12, 2006. :eek:
Will the strongbox with the cash make it to the high-plains Village & the valiant audiences and company of the besieged Theatre? Will other grantors, who have been applied to for help, send funds to save LFTC’s home and the future Magdalena Performance /Arts Center? Or will London Frontier bite the dust, defending to the last its historic venue?
Will a cavalry of donors ride to the rescue? A $5,000 general leading? Captains of $1,000? Or a contingent of brave troopers, each giving their best? We’ll hold the fort as long as we can, hoping....
Is that bugles we hear?
For contact/further information/donations: London Frontier Theatre Company (a 501[3]c non-profit organization; donations tax-deductible), PO Box 1126, 502 Main, Magdalena, NM 87825;
(505) 854-2519; Email: londonfrontier@gilanet.com.; WebSite: www.londonfrontiertheatre.com (http://www.londonfrontiertheatre.com/)