Yes. The secret’s out and everyone’s talking about My My How Nice Productions’ new performance venue, in the shape of the new Bravo! Theatre on Río Bravo, which is great news for Ajijic’s burgeoning arts scene.
As MyMy’s founder or, as she puts it “crazy entrepreneur,” Jayme Littlejohn says, “I wanted to create an excellent space where I could put on my own shows and host plays, jazz and blues events, concerts, stand-up, etcetera.”
It all started about a year ago when, after looking around at the various spaces within Sol y Luna, Russell Mack suggested to Littlejohn that she should consider renting and converting an adjacent room known as the old gym. She was hesitant, but when he built a scale model of the completed project, demonstrating how successfully the space could be utilized she was persuaded to take the risk.
Littlejohn says the project would never have happened without the invaluable help, assistance and encouragement of Patteye Simpson, Bob and Judy Hendrick, Kitt Rudeen and Bill Vincent, Lynn Phelan, Coleen Hansen and Timothy G. Ruff Welch, as well as Mack and his helpers.
Giving generously of their time and expertise, in just ten days Russell Mack and his construction crew – Alan Bowers, Neils Petersen, Rob Stupple, David Bryen, Joel Smith, Ian White and Ed Donald – have transformed the place.
The stage is in. Doors between stage and dressing rooms have been effectively sound-proofed. Tiers for raked seating are in place and the walls are now a smart chocolate brown. Lighting “pipes” are installed and lighting experts Bill Vincent and Kitt Rudeen were busy overseeing installation of the LED lighting system when I visited.
The place was a hive of activity and the progress and spirit of everyone was impressive. When it’s ready, just before Christmas, the theater will seat approximately 110 people.
The first show opens in early January and will be a repeat production of MyMy’s hugely successful “Always Patsy Cline,” starring Patteye Simpson and Littlejohn, accompanied by Musical Director Welch, playing the upright piano that he has generously donated to the Bravo! (see page 21).
A regular series of performance arts workshops will be held throughout the year. These courses will be offered by experienced professionals and the first sessions, featuring improv and scene study respectively, will take place early in the new year.
Although the news only broke on Monday, enquiries have already been received from several potential users of the facility, which is very encouraging.
This undertaking is a huge leap of faith for Littlejohn and her friends but it seems obvious that there is a clear gap in the market just waiting to be filled by the new Bravo! Theatre. Definitely one to watch!