[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE LITTLE THEATRE OF WILKES-BARRE'S 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, today I honor the Little Theatre of 
Wilkes-Barre's 100th anniversary. The occasion will be celebrated on 
Friday, September 23, 2022 with a gala.
  In keeping with the tradition of the 1920s and 1930s to have 
community ``little theaters'' for professional development and self-
expression, the Drama League opened its doors in 1923. At the former 
Coughlin High School building in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the 
curtain came up on a production of Rudyard Kipling's The Elephant Child 
directed by Mollie Weston Kent to kick off the Theatre's inaugural 
season. The League was renamed the Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre in 
1928 and was incorporated as a non-profit organization 501(c)3 by Judge 
Valentine the following year.
  In 1956, Little Theatre of Wilkes-Bane purchased a playhouse located 
at 537 North Main Street in Wilkes-Barre and officially took residence 
in the space in 1957. The Pennsylvania Theater Association approved the 
building for production because of the impressive stage and equipment 
facilities in 1972. The Theatre's iconic features were generously 
donated and supported by many community members and founders. Dorothy 
Dickson Darte, one of the Theatre's founders, gifted the current 
lighting board built by Fuchs, a renowned stage lighting expert. 
Annette Evans gifted the stage curtains, and her love of the theatre 
has extended to her foundation providing grants for the Theatre for 
years after her death.
  Since 1923, the Little Theatre has of Wilkes-Barre has reached more 
than two million people through hundreds of productions. The Theatre is 
still ranked among the top ten ``little theater'' groups and remains 
one of the longest continuously running community theatres in the 
country. As a charter member of the American National Theatre and 
Academy, the Theatre has been deeply committed to collaborating with 
other local theatrical groups and bringing high caliber performances to 
their stage. Despite changes to the entertainment landscape, the Little 
Theatre of Wilkes-Barre has remained dedicated to showcasing local 
talent in musicals, comedies, and dramas on its stage every season.
  I am honored to join with the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre to 
celebrate its 100th anniversary. May it continue to inspire local 
actors and creatives to get involved in community theater, and may it 
welcome audiences for many years to come.

                          ____________________