Power House Theatre

Recycling,
Upcycling,
Resurrection.

Call me a fan.  

In 1892 (yes, 1892, son!!), the Walla Walla Gas Plant opened for business...not for art, but for amps, volts, and ohms.  (well technically, it was a gas plant first, but then began to sing the body electric in 1905).

::::  Fast-forward:  2011  ::::  
This is when this art decco powerhouse transformed to a stylish playhouse in the style of Shakespeare.  

This theater had been on my radar for the last couple of years, and my timing just never worked out for venturing down to the hills of wine and to make a visit to the theater....until Winter 2012.  

On a blustery cold evening, I needed to make a trip down to Walla Walla.  I made myself go.  I had to.  NPR advertised about the Power House's production of "It's A Wonderful Life:  A Live Radio Play!", for weeks, and I was intrigued and pulled Walla Walla-ward.

I was interested by the production, but I was also looking for an excuse to case the joint!  ;)  I love old theaters (especially if they've been renovated Gangnam Style...sorry, just wanted to say that phrase...not sure who reads these reviews all the way anyway!)  ;)

The renovation, I believe, is still a work in progress.  I heard they are still working on the roof...and the audience & actors noticed this throughout the evening as the winds howled and banged on what seemed like only a tin roof.  (A member of the staff came upstairs to the balcony and offered seats downstairs to us if we were too cold.  I didn't mind, but some took him up on his offer---I wanted the full environmental experience!  I wanted the chance to tell stories about way back in the olden days when I went to the Powerhouse to see a play, and how the roof almost blew off!)  

Other than the roof, the facility is top notch.  (well, I think the roof adds character along with the expose brick, too).  From the lobby, stage, seating, to restrooms, the facility is updated with modernity.  And that's what I like.  The duality of a renovated structure is attractive.  

I can't wait to come back for a Shakespearean or modern play.  You'll find me looking for excuses to come here again, and again---look for me in the balcony!