Tickets for this year’s Boulder City Chautauqua are on sale beginning now. They are $20 per performance and can be purchased online HERE or conveniently by cash or cat the following locations:
- Ace Hardware, 541 Nevada Way
- Boulder Dam Hotel, 1035 Arizona Street
- Home Hardware, 707 Canyon Road
- Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, 100 Nevada Way
The theme of this year’s Chautauqua is Our First Ladies: Portraits of Strength and will feature three historical figures from American history: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy and Betty Ford. There will be three performances. Susan Marie Frontczak will portray Eleanor Roosevelt on Friday, September 20 at 6:00PM. Rose Gabriele will be featured as Jackie Kennedy on Saturday, September 21 at the 2:00PM matinee. Concluding the performances on Saturday night at 6:00PM, Lynna Metrisin will be portraying Betty Ford.
From the Boulder City Chautauqua press release:
Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She was the longest-serving first lady of the United States. President Truman later called her the “First Lady of the World” in tribute to her human rights achievements. Jackie Kennedy was a popular first lady, endearing the American public with her devotion to her family, dedication to the historic preservation of the White House, the campaigns she led to preserve and restore historic landmarks and architecture along with her interest in American history, culture and arts. Betty Ford was active in social policy and set a precedent as a politically active presidential spouse. She maintained high approval ratings and was considered to be an influential first lady. Historians regard Ford to be among the best and most courageous American first ladies.
Local singers Kenny Laursen, Eli Milan, and Steve Cottrell will be featured, respectively, providing a lively start to each performance.
A Meet and Greet Reception with the performers, including dinner and beverages, will be held Thursday, September 19, beginning at 5:45PM at a lovely Boulder City residence overlooking the lake. Donation for this event is $40.
The Chautauqua concept originated in Chautauqua, New York, in the late 1800s as a way to bring education and entertainment to rural communities across America. The idea was simple: a group of speakers and performers would travel from town to town, presenting lectures, musical performances, and theatrical shows. The Chautauqua movement quickly gained popularity and by the early 1900s, it had become a national phenomenon, until methods of communication and modes of transportation improved and it died out. A resurgence took place in the late 1970’s, and reached Boulder City in 1992.
In Boulder City the Chautauqua tradition is alive and well hosting events that celebrate the arts, culture, and education. The Boulder City Chautauqua is one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the magic of this unique festival.
All performances will take place at Boulder Creek Golf Course Pavilion, located at 1501 Veterans Memorial Drive.
