Paradise Theatre has what one might call perfect timing.
In 1998, the theater group bought an old home on Peacock Hill that had just landed on the market. Having previously purchased the meadow behind the home, the group was looking for a spot to perform indoors.
It seemed like a perfect fit.
The theater group was formed in 1976 and operated in several venues. It was time to move, so the group made the purchase, and it looked like the deal would pay off.
In 2000, the group was still performing at the Peacock Hill location, but after five years, the Board of Directors decided the group was badly in need of a larger venue.
Paradise Theater needed space for classrooms, offices and storage for all its scenes, so it sold the property and moved — just in time.
Shortly after the sale, the house on Peacock Hill caught fire and was destroyed.
The new location, at 9911 Burnham Drive NW in Gig Harbor, provided Paradise Theater the much-needed space, with a little room to grow.
Now everything is under one roof.
Three years ago, Jeff Richards and his wife, Vicki, came on board as artistic directors. Jeff also is the CEO of the Board of Directors and the technical director.
Paradise Theater’s board consists of 10 people, and there are between 70 and 80 part-time paid staff and volunteers.
Richards said he was fortunate his education equipped him with a range of knowledge, and he said he enjoys managing many tasks at the new location.
“I have a love for every aspect of the theater,” said Richards, who added that he and Vicki have been doing this kind of work “forever.”
Paradise Theater productions are popular, too. When the group performed “Beauty and the Beast,” the theater was packed.
“We couldn’t fit another person in,” Richards said.
The coming season will be dedicated to comedies and classics. Paradise also will bring back its dinner theater for one night — which is sold out — to see how the public responds.
That performance will be an interactive murder mystery with the audience.
Paradise’s workshops for children draw more than 100 participants, and the group’s summer camps are successful.
Richards said a lot of people thought Paradise Theater burned along with the former building, but that wasn’t the case.
Richards said the new facility is one of the nicest in the area.
“We have raised mezzanine seating and full sound and lighting systems,” he said.
During the holiday season, Paradise Theater will present “A Christmas Story,” from Nov. 27 through Dec. 13.
“Yes,” Richards said, “that is the one where the kid gets his tongue stuck on the pole and has the scary Santa.”
The New Year will kick off with Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” from Jan. 22 through Feb. 7.
Shows are performed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
For tickets, which run from $8 to $22, call 253-851-PLAY or visit www.paradisetheater.org.
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