“My Fair Lady” last production at Civic before major auditorium makeover

Does the Idaho Falls Civic Auditorium hold special memories for you? If you want to see the civic auditorium the way you remember it, this weekend will be your last chance.

That’s because after the “Sounds Summer Musicals” production of “My Fair Lady”, major interior remodeling will begin. For decades Gayleen Meservey has been directing the sounds summer musicals in this theater and it holds a special place in her heart.

“It’s a little like losing my home,” Meservey said. “I’ve been here since the early days of this auditorium either as a participant or as a watcher of things, and I love it and so I’ll miss it.”

The green walls and orange seats may have been trendy when the auditorium was completed in 1952, but the decision was made that some major updates need to be made. The mayor appointed a civic auditorium committee.

“What we’ve known as the civic auditorium is really outdated,” committee member Anne Voilleque said. “It’s 65 years old. The seating is not comfortable. It’s just really tired and we need an upgrade.”

Some of the improvements that will begin next week include new seating, painting the ceiling and walls, replacing the carpet and lighting dimmer systems, as well as making acoustical improvements.

The interior will have a much different look.

“It is going to be vibrant,” interior consultant, Carol Johnson said. “We’re using an old theatrical color palate and are you ready? It’s going to be red and purple with touches of metalic gold. The chairs are going to be phenomenal. You will think you are in New York City.”

The shades of purple will be plum and light lavender.

The remodeling is expecting to last until fall. The cost is $1,500,000. Half came from a donation by Bill Maek and half from the city.

If you want to see “My Fair Lady” it runs June 21, 22, 23, 25 at 7:30. Tickets are available at soundssummermusical.org or at the door.