The cast of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” poses with Southern’s President Dr. Pamela L. Alderman following Sunday’s final performance. The play raised $15,000 for the Southern Foundation toward upgrading the Savas Kostas Performing Arts Center.
WVOW News
LOGAN The Southern Foundation which recently sponsored the production of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College raised $15,000 toward upgrading the local college’s Savas-Kostas Performing Arts Center.
Production Director and Southern’s Director of Communications, Bill France, called the event an overwhelming success. “We were lucky to have so many area businesses partner with us for this show. They allowed us to raise the bar and produce a show that the college and the community could be proud of.”
The play featured Southern employees, students, and members of the local community all volunteering their time and talent. The play marked a return to college-produced theatrical productions after a 15-year absence.
1,600 people attended the show during its four-day run. “Our audiences were great,” France said. “Everyone was ready to come back out after these past two years and do something together again.”
“I was blown away by how professional this production turned out,” Southern President Dr. Pamela L. Alderman said. “It was top-notch in every way. Bill, his cast, and the crew worked very hard on this show and it showed on stage. The audiences loved every minute of it.”
The decades-old theater is raising funds to upgrade sound, lighting, and curtains. “We have a beautiful facility. It just needs some loving care on the inside. This show will be a good start to getting us there.”
The Southern Foundation has several other fundraisers scheduled this spring and fall, including a Gala in honor of George and Elizabeth Kostas, the namesake of the theater. That Gala will be held in September.
As for future productions, France said due to the success of this show, it’s always a possibility. “Right now, we just want to focus on getting our theater ready.”
The community response to the show has been very overwhelming. “We are glad the show was so well received. I’m extremely lucky to have so much support and encouragement from my colleagues at Southern. We are also blessed to have so many talented people in our local area.”