Gala being planned for Crystal Theatre in May

The Crystal Theatre in Gonzales is preparing for its big gala and fund-raiser in May.

Each year, the theatre kicks of its membership drive with a gala and this year is no exception.

"Steel Magnolias" is going to be the featured play, but on the night of the debut, there is much more happening.

The gala kicks off on Friday, May 1, with the annual gala. There are single and corporate tickets available, though the numbers are limited, according to Barbara Crozier of the theatre.

"We are already substantially sold for the gala," said Crozier.

The event will begin with a dinner at 6 p.m., and then the performance will be at 8.

Tickets for the gala are $75 per person. Call 672-2484 for more information.

Five other performances are also going to be featured in the month of May. On May 8, 9, 15 and 16 there will be 7:30 p.m. performances and a matinee is scheduled for Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m.

Crozier said there are six roles in Steel Magnolias and they had 12 people audition.

Two actresses are in the play which were in it 15 years ago when it was directed by Crozier. One of those actresses is playing the mother role and it was 18 years ago when she played the daughter. (We'll have more information about his and other aspects of the play in upcoming editions of the newspaper.)

The play will also be showcasing the new lighting system at the Crystal.

Bill Peeler of Texas State University recently conducted an instructional session at the theatre to teach local people the technical aspects of the new system.

"He teaches us things about light we don't know," said Crozier.

That new system was made possible through a community partnership grant with Lower Colorado River Authority, Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative and the city of Gonzales.

The box office for members will be open April 15-17 at the chamber of commerce. The box office for the general public will open April 20 and run through the close of the show.

Call the chamber at 672-6532.