Greene Memorial Hospital’s Greg Henderson’s boss asked what Xenia needed and how they could help. Frank Perez, the silver haired leader of the Kettering Health Network, wanted to show the healthcare giant’s commitment to the community as the new owner of the venerable local hospital. In a perfect storm of need meets willingness to help, the Xenia Area Community Theater’s Orion Monroe and the theater board submitted a plea for construction funds to convert their former Harley dealership building on Second St. in downtown Xenia into a viable community arts center.
Now several months, many thousands of dollars and hundreds of volunteer hours later the dream of a few resourceful citizen volunteers is becoming a reality. The debut performance in the new theater space will take place this weekend and next. For their first performances in the new space, X*ACT is producing a fairy tale for adults, Cinderella Waltz on March 13, 14, 20, and 21. A comic modern update of the original story, this charmingly whacky play by Don Nigro runs the gamut from pantsless fathers to blowzy fairy godmothers with wishing wells and dancin’ shoes thrown in for good measure.
Although the December donation has already paid for much of the construction, a formal giant check was presented Monday to Mayor Phyllis Penewitt, newly elected President of the Board. A formal Gala will be held this summer to celebrate the new addition to the arts community in Xenia.
Seating is limited and all performances are likely to be sold out early. Reservations are still available by calling (937) 372-0516, stopping by the X*ACT’s Second Act Thrift Store, 45 E. Second St. in downtown Xenia, or by visiting them on the web at www.XeniaAct.org. Admission for all performances is $12 and just $10 for seniors and students.