Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies - February 21 - March 09, 2025
Tower Theatre
Crew Who's Who
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Ms. Terris
As a winter Texan from Alberta, Canada, I was introduced to the theatre by a friend,Linda. My first production was with drinking habits in 2017. Of course I was hooked! I am ecstatic to be here enjoying the ride.
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Ambrose Valentine
Ambrose Valentine is a second year student at UTRGV where he is working towards his degree in theatre with a concentration in technical design (but he loves to perform, too!). Over the last four years, he has been a part of 23 total productions, 7 of which have been here at the Tower Theater! This show has been such a cool experience for him, and he is proud to be running the booth by himself again! Ambrose hopes to continue volunteering at the Tower Theater for as long as life will allow.
Tower Theater History
Attending a performance at the Tower Theater of Weslaco is a truly unique experience. Built as a storage reservoir in 1928—nine years after Weslaco’s founding—the facility served until a growing population required a larger water tank. The original ground tank was used until 1938, when work began on an adjacent concrete water tower, known as the “Tinaco.” Completed in 1941, the tank was later abandoned and used for city supplies and clothing.
In 1962, visionary Shirley Atkins and City Manager Cecil E. Massey immediately saw potential in the neglected structure. Massey, who studied under Paul Baker of the Dallas Theater Center, envisioned transforming the eyesore into a thriving theater. Conversion began by cutting openings in the 12-inch thick walls—a bold reimagining of the space.
A sixty-foot cargo parachute was draped in graceful folds toward a small skylight, concealing the high domed ceiling. This, along with strategic audience placement, solved acoustical challenges so that even a stage whisper could be heard. Transformation continued with blue-green army paint at just 2 cents per gallon. Outside, a battleship deck light illuminated the front, its beam reaching the Tinaco.
With less than a thousand dollars and remarkable ingenuity, an abandoned water tank became a cultural landmark. The first performance was held on April 2, 1970. Since then, the Tower Theater has been updated with acoustical spray, professional lighting, air conditioning, and seating risers, hosting over a hundred productions and nurturing future theater professionals.
Shirley Atkins, a Mid-Valley Civic Theatre board member for over 40 years, directed most productions and was posthumously honored as 2015 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR for her service to Weslaco.
Her daughter, Risë Morris, performed at the Tower Theater for 47 years. “I love the Tower Theater of Weslaco and its power to bring joy,” she said.
In 2018, Risë Morris retired, leaving big shoes to fill. ITheatre embraced the challenge of continuing the Tower Theater’s dream, preserving its 55-year tradition for future generations.
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