By Clyde Noel

Town Crier Correspondent

It was a night of superlatives for the Los Altos High School Eagle Theater last Friday night. From the moment Mark Andrew Shaull, chairman of the performing arts department, cut the ribbon, to the last person leaving, it was a performance the community won’t forget.

“This is an historical event,” said Rich Fischer, district superintendent. “Isn’t this a beautiful theater? We thank you for your patience. You will not be disappointed.”

Fischer lauded the audience of donors and community workers who helped contribute theater amenities not provided in the original $58 million bond issue.

The Performing Arts Facilities Fund Committee, with the help of the Los Altos Cultural Association, raised more than $310,000 to provide essential equipment such as curtains, lighting, sound systems, video projectors, risers and plush theater seats not financed with bond money.

The bond issue passed in 1995 called for identical theaters to be built at Los Altos and Mountain View high schools. Each theater has a stage large enough for a 95-piece orchestra.

After the opening commentary of appreciation, Shaull took the stage and told the audience, “Turn your cell phones off, you’re in for an evening of entertainment, because this is a dream come true.”

The gala concert performances were spectacular, with miscues affecting only lights and curtains.

“Can I have another set of lights on the piano player, please,” said Ted Ferrucci, director of instrumental music. “She’s good, but she needs some light to see.”

The Main Street Singers, led by Shaull, were inspired with commitment to excellence, which is their trademark. They performed a variety of choral selections along with the school’s Concert Choir.

Great acting by five female students in scenes from “Steel Magnolias” and five male students in Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” produced continual laughter and applause.

Music by the Jazz Ensemble and jazz dancing filled out the two hours of entertainment. The evening of hilarity and fun ended with a standing ovation for the performers.

George Perez, Los Altos High School principal, closed the evening with recognition to Fischer for his vision and courage.

He also mentioned the Facilities Fund is still short of its $350,000 goal to completely furnish the theaters and any additional donations would be appreciated.

“This building leads to excitement, it’s a state-of-the-art center,” said Judy Hannemann, district trustee. “The kids really got up for this. They raised the bar for performances.”

“It’s a wonderful thrill to see all the kids showcase their talent in such a wonderful venue,” said Ed Bough, Facilities Fund committee member.

Dick Hasenpflug, committee member, agreed it was a lot of work to put all this together. “But after tonight, you realize all the hard work was worth it.”

Katharine Hill, performing with the concert choir, summed up her high school experience. “It’s amazing to perform in this theater. I’ve watched this theater grow since I was a freshman, and now that it’s finished I graduate next month.”