The Show Must Go On
Masquerade Theatre honors Houston firefighters
- Houston firemen from Station 13 are recognized at Masquerade TheatrePhoto by Dalton DeHart
- Captain William Gunderson and chairman of the Masquerade board of directorsPaula SmithPhoto by Dalton DeHart
Even after an electrical fire damaged its studio offices, Masquerade Theatre decided the show must go on. The company's production of Camelot opened Saturday — on schedule — and the firefighters of Station 13 who helped save the structure from total ruin were special guests.
The fire broke out Feb. 4 at the company's offices on East T.C. Jester, just two weeks before Camelot was set to hit the Hobby Center. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in the fire, but it halted production and forced the company to move to a temporary space.
The opening night performance honored captain William Gunderson, "knighting" him and his team. The audience responded with two standing ovations while the men hugged and high-fived the actors.
As a non-profit, full-time resident musical theatre company founded to keep local talent in Houston, Masquerade needs funds to repair the damaged studio. Actors work daily in the studio offices building sets, taking ticket reservations, designing costumes and dealing with the company's day-to-day activities.
Donations to can be made out to Masquerade Theatre (3558 East TC Jester Blvd., 77018), or made with credit card at 713-861-7045. Contact director of development Becky Page at beckypage@masqueradetheatre.com for more information.
Tickets to Camelot, which runs through Feb. 28, can be purchased here.