Take a nostalgic journey through five decades of drama, laughter, and community spirit as host Micky Shearon sits down with one of the original legends of the Granbury Opera House, Marty Van Kleeck.

From sleeping with no AC to stuffing cold water biscuits in her pockets to building sets from scratch, Marty shares hilarious and heartwarming tales from the Opera House’s earliest days in 1975.

🎤 Hear how a motley crew of passionate theatre lovers transformed a crumbling shell into a thriving artistic hub—fueled by community love, secondhand seats from Carswell AFB, and one very good dog named Biscuit. Learn how the Opera House helped shape the modern identity of Granbury, Texas, and discover how its cultural legacy still resonates today.

✨ This special 50th anniversary episode is packed with behind-the-scenes memories, unexpected celebrity cameos (Mary Martin? Harvey Schmidt?), and a celebration of the theatre kids who made it all happen—no AC required.

🎉 And the magic continues! Don’t forget to grab your tickets to our current smash-hit production of Hairspray and upcoming summer camp performances of Finding Nemo Jr, plus the return of Singin’ in the Rain this August!📅

Visit www.granburytheatrecompany.org or call 817-579-0952 to reserve your seat at the historic Granbury Opera House.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Granbury Theatre Company

01:00 Marty Van Cleek's Journey to the Opera House

02:19 The Early Days of the Granbury Opera House

07:27 Community Involvement in Renovation

11:13 Life as a Theatre Intern

16:24 The Evolution of the Opera House's Productions

20:29 The Economic Impact of the Opera House

24:30 Marty's Role as Managing Director

25:00 The Evolution of the Granbury Opera House

27:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Theater Management

31:53 Legacy of the Granbury Opera House

34:06 Memorable Productions and Personalities

38:46 Celebrating 50 Years of the Granbury Opera House

Take a nostalgic journey through five decades of drama, laughter, and community spirit as host Micky Shearon sits down with one of the original legends of the Granbury Opera House, Marty Van Kleeck.

From sleeping with no AC to stuffing cold water biscuits in her pockets to building sets from scratch, Marty shares hilarious and heartwarming tales from the Opera House’s earliest days in 1975.

🎤 Hear how a motley crew of passionate theatre lovers transformed a crumbling shell into a thriving artistic hub—fueled by community love, secondhand seats from Carswell AFB, and one very good dog named Biscuit. Learn how the Opera House helped shape the modern identity of Granbury, Texas, and discover how its cultural legacy still resonates today.

✨ This special 50th anniversary episode is packed with behind-the-scenes memories, unexpected celebrity cameos (Mary Martin? Harvey Schmidt?), and a celebration of the theatre kids who made it all happen—no AC required.

🎉 And the magic continues! Don’t forget to grab your tickets to our current smash-hit production of Hairspray and upcoming summer camp performances of Finding Nemo Jr, plus the return of Singin’ in the Rain this August!📅

Visit www.granburytheatrecompany.org or call 817-579-0952 to reserve your seat at the historic Granbury Opera House.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Granbury Theatre Company

01:00 Marty Van Cleek's Journey to the Opera House

02:19 The Early Days of the Granbury Opera House

07:27 Community Involvement in Renovation

11:13 Life as a Theatre Intern

16:24 The Evolution of the Opera House's Productions

20:29 The Economic Impact of the Opera House

24:30 Marty's Role as Managing Director

25:00 The Evolution of the Granbury Opera House

27:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Theater Management

31:53 Legacy of the Granbury Opera House

34:06 Memorable Productions and Personalities

38:46 Celebrating 50 Years of the Granbury Opera House

🎭🎙Step behind the curtain with hosts Micky Shearon and Matt Beutner for a joyful, powerful, and deeply moving episode of Acting Up with GTC!

After nearly a decade of trying, Granbury Theatre Company is finally bringing Hairspray: The Broadway Musical to life on the Granbury Opera House stage—and trust us, it’s worth the wait.

In this special episode, we sit down with cast and crew to talk about the show’s iconic music, electric choreography, and the timely, resonant themes of inclusion, equality, and standing up for what’s right.

You’ll hear stories from:

🧡 Paloma Magaña on playing a quietly revolutionary Penny

💥 Takara Bailey’s heartfelt take on Motor Mouth Mabel

🎭 Javon Checo’s experience shifting from actor to assistant director

🎤 Caden Caulkins and Kendrick Booth as the dual Link Larkins

🎶 Braden Carlton’s insight into portraying Seaweed and the power of music in protest

💃 Emily Farmer’s take on Penny’s curiosity and courage

There’s laughter, insight, a few unexpected callbacks, and a whole lot of heart. If you’ve ever loved theater, Hairspray, or the power of people coming together, this one’s for you.

🎟️ Hairspray opens June 6 and runs through July 6.

Get your tickets now at www.granburytheatrecompany.org or call 817-579-0952.

Chapters:

00:48 Intro

10:40 Takara Bailey, Javon Tcheco, and Paloma Magana

38:55 Kendrick Booth and Cade Calkins

56:32 Braedon Carlton and Emily Farmer