Dear River Theater Patrons and Volunteers,

Ten years ago (February 1998) we opened our first show on these boards:  Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune. Our goal was to raise voices seldom heard, to explore the heart, to identify with each other and the audience through stories. Countless volunteers, performers and audience members have moved and breathed in this beloved space since then. February 2008 will be our last month here.

We made a ten year commitment to this theater in 1997. Our landlord has been generous and helpful, but other operating expenses keep rising and we've been slammed deep into the red this year. We plan now to shift away from the economic weight of such a space. We're speaking with the college about returning to the Performing Arts Center (home of our very first production, Vita & Virginia), but nothing has been finalized. 

And so, it is with a sigh of sadness that the board and season planning committee has decided to say farewell to this space.  We've planned out the last two months of events (listed briefly below). Once the space, its contents and the debt are dealt with, I will be taking a leave of absence.

The River isn't over, it's going into hibernation. Tim Hurd (co-founder and sponsor) confirms that:  he's already looking to lead a "River Voices" project, producing one provocative show each year. He's planning to keep an office in the new Columbia River Coffee Roasting facility (moving in March) with the River's phone number and web and email addresses.

Each of us, every volunteer, every actor, everyone who donated income or services, who spent days stitching costumes or painting a set or working a scene over and over; everyone who called a friend to come to a fundraiser or put up a poster or bought a ticket: We can all be proud of 10 amazing years and countless, diverse productions, nights, moments... under that damn leaky roof, where so much breath has moved us all.

 With much love,

Nancy Montgomery

PS  Jan, Roger and Alan suggest I include this:  To help in the relief of the final debts of the theater, send donations to the address below, or to the Bank of Astoria.  Many hands make lighter work....  You can also donate goods for the rummage sale (on Mondays, or call to arrange). Thank you.

Wonderful Life Set: It's a Wonderful Life, 2001