Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/253120
C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 133 four months. A perennial PacRep angel, The Packard Foundation, lent the remainder of the purchase price. "We closed on the building in early 1995," Moorer says, adding proudly, "and paid it off within three years." PacRep thus became one of a mere handful of year-round community theaters in the U.S. to hold deed to its own facility. That fact saved the organization during the recession that hit in the wake of 9/11. The theater went dark for a few months, but Moorer says, "We didn't have a huge mort- gage over our heads, and didn't lose our build- ing like so many theaters did." PacRep recently completed a $2.5 million upgrade of its stage and production areas. "We went against what most theaters would do and built out our artist spaces first," Moorer says. A fundraising campaign is currently underway to finance the renovation of the audience portion. Fundraising aside, it's the plays that keep the wolf from the stage door. And some produc- tions are more profitable than others. PacRep's mission statement promises that it "presents the great plays from the world stage." "When we became a 'regional' institution, it became our responsibility to become more uni- versal," Moorer says. "That means producing shows that appeal to the 1,000 that like Shakespeare and also the 10,000 that want to enjoy Disney." Put another way, "it takes a 'Beauty and the Beast' to pay for a 'Julius Caesar.'" "Jesus Christ Superstar" is the first production on PacRep's 2014 calendar and its 433rd pro- duction since that first show in 1983. "That's 433 productions, not performances," mar vels Moorer. He estimates that each presentation mounts between 15 and 20 shows, meaning that in three decades Moorer and his chums have put on at least 7,000 performances. "That boggles my mind," he says. For more information and ticket sales, visit www.pacrep.org or call 831/622-0100. At the NE corner of San Antonio and Eighth St. ◆ 855.894.2424 CarmelCottageInn.com Home Port Cottage Sky Way ◆ Moon Gate ◆ Home Port ◆ Tradewinds ◆ Log Haven Five Historic Cottages One Block from the Beach... Simply Charming. Visit us in the Lobos Lodge Courtyard Open Daily Since 1994 Davitt Felder stars in "Jesus Christ Superstar," the first rock opera, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Felder also portrayed Ritchie Valens in "The Buddy Holly Tribute." 130-133 Pac Rep_Layout 1/24/14 7:39 AM Page 4