Downtown OKC Community Theatre Host First Performance Since Devastating Fire

Downtown Oklahoma City's Carpenter Square Theatre hosted its first production after a devastating fire in March, and after long hours of trying to get everything ready, the show went off without a hitch!

“After the four-alarm fire. We forged on, and we opened a beautiful play. By Laura Gunderson called Ada and the engine,” said Rhonda Clark, the Executive Artistic Director of the Carpenter Square Theatre.

But to put together a production without a warehouse full of costumes is not the easiest task for this artistic director.

“Let me know what you need. I know you have a show coming up,” said Clark. “It became a rush at the end, but we had our dress rehearsal on time.”

So, the show goes on for theatre with the help of the community after the fire took nearly $100,000 of props, costumes, and sets.

“The words of encouragement have been so gratifying and touching,” said Clark.

With a show beginning, the carpenter square theatre is also working to open a new venue and warehouse just off Western and Reno.

"I have memories attached to everything. Oh, those chairs go to that show,” said Clark. “Just as heartbreaking to me is the items we were going to use for the new venue.”

But they are excited to see where this new path will take them. There is still no explanation as to why this fire took place.