The Champagne Variety Show

Description

The Champagne Variety Show returns for two shows on Mother's Day Weekend LEAD, SD - The Historic Homestake Opera House (HHOH) invites the public to attend The 2016 Champagne Variety Show performed at the Historic Homestake Opera House at 313 West Main Street, Lead on Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, May 8 at 2:00 pm. The Champagne Variety Show is a parody of "The Lawrence Welk Show" which featured wholesome singers, musicians, and dancers that entertained millions of television viewers from 1951 until 1982. Reruns of the show still air on PBS Television. The Champagne Variety Show was performed from 2009 to 2012 by friends Les Karas of Deadwood and Sarah Carlson, HHOH executive director. The Champagne Variety Show features local stars, including "Lorrence Velk" and "The Lovely Lemon Sisters" and Rapid City's Black Hills Blend Barbershop Quartet, and vocalists, musicians, and actors from Lead, Deadwood, and the Northern Hills. Karas and Carlson produced and directed the show together with a new version of the show every year and a mix of cast members. Karas, 88, passed away on Feb. 18, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in Ft. Meade as a result of a stroke caused by his battle with cancer. The 2016 Champagne Variety Show will serve as a tribute to Karas and his love for music. "Without these people who love the Homestake Opera House, there would be no show," said Karas in 2011. "A big thanks goes to all the volunteers because they're making my dream come true." Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 HHOH members, $10 students, and $5 kids (12 and younger.) Seating is general admission/open seating; no reservations required. To purchase tickets call the office at 605-584-2067 or go online at www.HomestakeOperaHouse.org or purchase at the door. The ticket booth opens one hour prior to showtime.You may also purchase tickets in advance at the HHOH office in the rear of the building on Julius Street 9:00 am to 3:00 pm M-F. Pie, punch, champagne, wine, and polka-lattes will be available for purchase. A raffle will be held to win The Lorrence Velk Champagne Variety Show Basket. Karas was a member of Deadwood-Lead Toastmasters and Disabled American Veterans and was a supporter of the Historic Homestake Opera House. At age 26, Karas was the nation's youngest sheriff, working in Faulkton, SD. In 1962, Karas moved to Deadwood with his wife Shirley where he worked as chief of police until 1964. Proceeds benefit ongoing operations, programming, and projects at the Historic Homestake Opera House. Free parking is available in the back of the building, and also free off-street and lot parking within 3 blocks or less from the theater. The building is wheelchair accessible. For more information contact the HHOH office at 605-584-2067 or visitwww.HomestakeOperaHouse.org. The HHOH is a non-profit organization dedicated to returning the building to productive use for the enrichment of the community and to provide arts and culture and educational opportunities for generations to come. Support for the HHOH is provided in part by the City of Lead, and the Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation, Mary Adams Mastrovich. The HHOH is a equal opportunity provider and employer.