LAPLACE — Crystal Faucheux, Judge Sterling Snowdy and Arlene Martin represented the St. John Theatre Board of Directors as they visited the St. John the Baptist Parish Government Complex Monday morning with a plaque and a bouquet of flowers in hand.

The gifts were a show of appreciation to Parish President Natalie Robottom and the St. John Parish administration for a decade of unwavering support. December 2019 marks not only Robottom’s last full month in office, but also the completion of ongoing renovations at St. John Theatre.

Since August, the Theatre has received a number of structural and cosmetic upgrades. These changes included an overhaul of the roof, complete renovation of four bathrooms, an improved air conditioning system and other interior and exterior modifications.

Final touches and light fixtures will soon be put in place, according to Martin. She looks forward to the public seeing new life in the aging, historic building.

Upgrades were set at approximately $76,800, funded through the Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP). According to Robottom, the program is a division of the state administration that allocates funding annually to maintain public facilities.

Robottom said LGAP funding has totaled as much as $147,000 annually. It has allowed for past improvements to the Health and Human Services building, the senior center on the West Bank, and other facilities that enhance the lives of St. John the Baptist Parish residents.

Robottom said St. John Theatre is particularly close to her heart because of the opportunities it provides to local youth.

Snowdy thanked her for all the years of support.

“From the day you were elected, you have supported our St. John Theatre to the utmost,” Snowdy said. “You come to the shows. You talk the talk and walk the walk.”

He added that Daron Cooper, representing St. John Parish Capital Projects, has been so helpful and responsive that he has earned the nickname “St. Daron” among Board members.

St. John Theatre has impacted youth for nearly four decades, and Snowdy said it’s not uncommon for adults to return and talk about how summer productions of years past made them better people in the long run.

Snowdy, himself, was one of those success stories.

“I was afraid to get in front of people,” Snowdy said. “Now I can speak in front of people. I’m a more well-rounded individual.”

While she was never one to dance, sing and act, Robottom appreciates having a venue to see the vast theatrical talent that lights up the River Parishes.

Receiving the flowers and plaque Monday morning was a happy surprised that reaffirmed the importance of supporting performing arts.

“I go to the Theatre, and I would like it to be what it needs to be,” Robottom said. “I’m disappointed that not everyone knows that this gem exists. It’s amazing to see the talent. We’re getting a variety of kids involved. People don’t know what they are missing. They say there’s nothing for kids to do here, but every summer, there is a production. There are workshops all summer.”

During her tenure, Robottom established an official agreement with St. John Theatre that place parish administration in charge of handling maintenance issues at the site.

“A lot of things that were historically done weren’t always put on paper,” Robottom said. “Now we have an agreement.”

History

The historic St. John Theatre facility was constructed in 1931. At the time, it was called the Maurin Theatre.

In 1974, a group of citizens proposed to the Police Jury (the precursor to the Parish Council) that a cultural Center was needed locally. An official feasibility study conducted in 1976 backed the idea.

While the proposal did not fare well on the ballots in 1978 and 1980, the Cultural Center Committee was not discouraged. The Committee obtained the Maurin Theatre, and the Council voted unanimously to provide funds for the purchase, the land and initial renovation costs.

The Theatre opened in 1981 with the staging of the musical “South Pacific,” and summer musicals continue to this day. However, programming at the Theatre is year-round.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, St. John Theatre will host Jay Dupuis live as Elvis Presley with the King Creole Orchestra. On January 25, 2020, tribute band IMAGE 50 will present an emotional cultural reunion to those who remember the distinctive coming of age music of the 1960s and 1970s.

“We’re starting to have more tribute bands,” Snowdy said. “Those seem to be popular.”

For more information, visit stjohntheatre.com.

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