Sharlot Hall Museum's Blue Rose Theater

I n 1994 the Prescott Courier Arts page read “New concept in entertainment is surfacing in Prescott. Local resident Jody Drake has started a theater company aimed at teaching people local history through historical performances”. Thus began the Blue Rose Theater. Since 1994 we have produced 72 pieces of theater, 68 of which were original pieces written for Sharlot Hall Museum. The company has won state wide recognition. Members have performed throughout the State of Arizona as well as California, New Mexico, and Nevada. Our work has been nominated for the Governors Art Award six times. We have written historical scripts for the city of Prescott, Yavapai County, Riordan Mansion State Park in Flagstaff, Arizona’s Cactus and Pine Girl Scout Council, Prescott Public Library in cooperation with the Monday Club, and Jerome Historical Society.

In looking at year fourteen I can only say “We have come a long way baby!” 2008 lives in the presents of reality. It’s history all the way. From historian Tony Norris and his thoughts on Arizona to an original Folk Opera written by Jody Drake and scored by Don Charles and Deb Gessner. 2008 season promises to enrich your knowledge bank. Tickets are on sale at the Museum Store. New this year!!! Pick A Pack buy your tickets for the season, support our work, and of course save a little money.

Jody Drake,
Director, Blue Rose Theater

photo of Jody Drake as Sharlot Hall

B lue Rose Theater, under the direction of Jody Drake, formed a partnership with the Sharlot Hall Museum in 1994. Jody has authored 26 of the original scripts performed by the Theater.

The Blue Rose Theater has produced 6 royalty productions and 33 guest and music presentations, including a historical recreation of the first production to be held at the new Elks Opera House one hundred years ago.

We have a well respected youth program and a broad community outreach. Special programs we have developed include Rose Garden Girls, Lamplight Tours, and a Creekside walk. We have performed for two Governors, many State conferences, and retired Grand Justice Sandra Day O’Conner.

Blue Rose Theater Season 2008

The Grand Canyon Story
The Man Who Owned The Grand Canyon
Friday & Saturday, May 23, 24, 30, 31 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 24 & 31 - 2:00 pm
Thursday, May 29 - 6:30 pm
The life story of Ralph H. Cameron, Grand Canyon pioneer, statehood figure, political dabbler, most historians remember him as a rogue.
Ladies Of The Garden
June 12, 13, 14
Six women taken from the Territorial Rose Garden and brought to life on the Blue Rose Stage bound together with Miss Sharlot Hall’s Poetry.
Joe Mayer And The Town That Built Him
July 16, 17, 18, 19
The life story of Joe Mayer founder of Mayer Arizona
A Folk Opera
Cowboy Music Of Prescott
August 30, 2 and 7:30 PM
Featuring Dolan Ellis & Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s State Balladeer and Historian
They Called Him Buckey
September 5, 6, 11, 12, 13
The life story of William O’ Niell, Prescott’s hero, Sheriff, Mayor, and Rough Rider