This is a commercial. Unlike television, you can’t fast forward.

I am involved in Vince Carney Community Theater, VCCT if you will.

It has been a big couple of years for the group.

First, the group was able to take possession of Lincoln School for the price of a cup of coffee.

Next, members renovated part of the school to create a theater, lobby, ticket booth and entrance way for the public. They are now working on a meeting room and green room, where cast members prepare and hang out during shows.

Finally, the first play, “Four Old Broads,” was presented in the Lincoln Performing Arts center. We had seven performances and drew over 420 people.

I was in the cast, but not an old broad. I was an old man. Talk about type casting!

A little history: Vince Carney loved and promoted the arts in Rochelle. When I first came to town, he was the owner of Carney and Longenecker Men’s Wear in downtown Rochelle. You can still see a bicentennial mural on the side of his store  When the group was formed in the 1980s, it seemed fitting to honor him. For years after his death, his wife, Mary, attended plays when she could and was also a supporter of the arts.

Back to now. 

We are a community theater. Sometimes that gives people the wrong impression. It may carry a hint of amateurism and a whatever attitude.

But we take our shows seriously. Lines are hard to memorize, but without people working on sets, publicity, props, costumes, set decoration, the house…..well, even the best actors would have a hard time.

Nearly everyone involved has a day job. You can find a wide range of occupations and ages in the group.  

VCCT is not a secret club, or a clique. It is a bunch of people who love theater.

Where do you fit in?

We can always use people. People to perform, work back stage, direct or help build sets.

We need people to attend shows. Don’t let the word community scare you away. We work hard at putting on a good show.

You can become a member.

You can always donate money. Having a building brings expenses.

Let’s keep theater alive and growing in Rochelle.

Back to regular programming.

A few things

I’ll say it again, the hanging baskets downtown are beautiful!

The Chicago area has had its driest September in 34 years so far.

Wild rumor on the street: The Nippon Sharyo plant being converted to a prison. I’m still thinking wind turbines.

Terry Dickow can be contacted at terrydickow@gmail.com