“You get to know so many people!” was the repeated outcry around the fancifully-appointed Gettysburg Hotel Ballroom Saturday evening as the Gettysburg Community Theatre celebrated fifteen years of engaging folks from around the county at its 15th Annual Gala, “Once Upon A Time.”
Founding Executive/Artistic Director Chad-Alan Carr’s excitement seemed to be the energy source for the swirling lights and happy music that filled the busy space. In a tuxedoed blur, Carr practically danced around the room, greeting guests and guiding the entertainment, stopping only to applaud the wide range of talented Broadway hopefuls on the stage and receive hugs and happy high-fives from the children who so obviously adore him.

Grayson Grimmer, one of the young dancers in the big number, “Break This Down,” said he participates in the theatre because “It’s a fun time to get with the community. The theatre is an awesome place. You meet so many people!”
”There are a lot more of them,” Chase Bowman added, “this is only a few of us.” A wave of his arm indicated the twenty-five or so young people who had just danced and sung for the cheering crowd.
A fellow singer/dancer Chase said he auditioned for “The Lion King” because “my mom and dad were singing around the house and they asked me if I wanted to audition for a show so I did.” Chase’s ambitions were clear when he later belted out a number to a sustained round of applause from the fans who believe in him, too.
Stephanie Roelker sang “Something Wonderful” from the musical “The King and I” in a beautiful, lyric soprano voice. In her elegant black dress and with a delicate tiara nestled in her gorgeous white hair, Stephanie’s ease with the high notes was evidence she has given a lifetime of musical joy to her audiences.
Smitha Nair, a new member of the GCT board of directors said that she is “looking forward to seeing the organization grow.” She shyly revealed that she is excited to “re-ignite my inner artist.” The stage has an appeal that is hard to ignore.
Carolyn Spangler was someone who made an elegant impression in her “Downton Abby” inspired gown. Stopping her to talk led to the discovery that the beautiful centerpieces were her creation. She excitedly reported that her home-based business, Carolyn’s Flowers, will supply fresh flowers to the theatre for every performance of the coming season.
Carolyn’s middle son, Major, looking sharp in his bowtie and sweater vest, said, “I don’t really like dressing up. I did it for mom.” But his smile said he liked the compliment. And he was later seen dancing.
The growth of the theatre is obvious to those who have watched or participated in the camps and classes and shows that have blossomed from Carr’s vision.
After a rousing tribute by theatre alumnus Jared Herr, Carr got down to business. That the next goal for the theatre is an ambitious one was obvious by his breathless announcement that the Majestic stage is where they would like to start producing shows. “But it’s expensive!” he said, with his signature flashy flutter of papers and gestures of appeal to the supportive crowd. That fact only seemed to bring louder cheers and shouts of approval.
That the next eight performances are sold out is a good indication that this goal is not unreasonable or unreachable. It makes one think that selling out the Majestic is a possibility. The reaction throughout the ballroom was undeniably favorable and brings truth to the phrase, “The show must go on!”
On a bigger stage, with the ability to reach a bigger audience, and with the financial support of the people in the room, local business sponsorships, and the wider Adams County community, it won’t be long until this goal is a reality. Information about donating to the theatre can be found at www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org
The main fundraising activity of the celebratory evening was a raffle of a number of donated prize baskets, generously overflowing with practical and delightfully enticing items.
Looking around the room at the dazzling gowns, the sparkling faces of delightful children, men in top hats and tails, and busy servers creating hors d’oeuvres, it was only natural to see Cinderella and Prince Charming arm in arm.
Enchanted Teapots, a costumed actor supplier located in Manchester, PA, was engaged to bring pairs of Disney Princes and Princesses to the ball to mingle among the guests. Shay Anna, as Cinderella, and Kurt Novak as her Prince Charming said they enjoyed doing these appearances because they get to meet fun people and come to “beautiful, historic locations like this lovely room” at the former Gettysburg National Bank.
The beaming faces of guests being complimented on their evening gowns, suits, and costumes elevated the evening to a memorable event for all whose presence was due to one charming, ambitious, determined person named Chad-Alan Carr.
Congratulations on your success, Kind Sir!! Bravo!! Encore!!
Photos by Jim Bargas. Click on any photo to start the slideshow.
Deb Collins has been in central Pennsylvania since 1989. Her children graduated from Gettysburg Area High School at the turn of the century and now live at opposite ends of the turnpike, Chelsea in Pittsburgh and Jake in Philadelphia. Raised in Connecticut, Deb enjoys the milder climate and the proximity to so many major cities that Gettysburg provides.