The arts have been operating alive and well in the River Parishes for a long time.

We saw an obvious sign of this in February, when the River Region Arts & Humanities Council presented 32 grants and sponsorships totaling $23,337 to organizations across the tri-parish area.

At the time, Council President Kristie Gough said the RRAHC “works hard to be sure that the arts have a voice and the means to grow in the River Parishes, which ultimately affects other communities.”

There may be no more obvious demonstrations of the growing voices than the community theater productions being produced this month and next by St. James Community Theater and St. John Theater — two groups that received funding from the RRAHC.

St. John Theatre players have already produced one successful weekend and have four more dates (including today) scheduled for the classic musical, “Annie Get Your Gun.”

A cast and crew of approximately 50 are working on the project that showcases a strong female heroine and numerous classic songs.

“Annie Get Your Gun” continues its run today through Saturday at St. John Theatre in Reserve.

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for regular admission, $12 for seniors and $10 for children.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at Allied Express.

Just a couple of miles away in Reserve, organizers have revived the dormant St. James Community Theater, revitalizing the showcase with performances of “The Addams Family.” Shows kick off nightly at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, July 30 and 31 and Aug. 1 at St. Peter School in Reserve.

Tickets are on at stjamestheater.org and are available at Roussel’s in Gramercy and Allied Express in LaPlace.

Between both efforts, more than 100 men and women, girls and boys from the River Parishes and beyond have worked for months to sing and act their hearts out — all for the enjoyment of local audiences.

We’re truly enjoying a special era with so many new and experienced theater contributors giving their time for our entertainment.

RRAHC Vice President Aspen Steib told L’OBSERVATEUR earlier this year the Council has supported everything from school plays to parish-wide festivals, and “that kind of support is priceless.”

She’s right about that. Thanks to a community of arts enthusiasts, we’re all enjoying the dividends.