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Variety Show Fundraiser at Historic Homestake Opera House Fulfills Dream for Deadwood Resident

For Immediate Release – Monday, October 19, 2009
LEAD, SD – For two decades, Deadwood resident Les Karas has dreamed of producing a show that would serve as a tribute to Lawrence Welk and the Big Band era. Karas says it would also be a tribute to his older brother who always wanted to lead a band.
But Karas’ health issues kept setting him back. Then when he recovered in 2008, Karas’ brother passed away. “He was going to lead a band in my show,” Karas said, “but he never got the chance.”
However, this Saturday night, Karas’ dream of putting on a tribute show will come true. Karas, with the assistance of many talented local actors and musicians will present ‘The Champagne Variety Show’. The humorous production is styled after the television show “The Lawrence Welk Show” which featured wholesome singers, musicians, and dancers that entertained millions of viewers from 1951 until 1982. Reruns of the show still air on PBS Television.
“If this goes well, we might have to take it on the road,” Karas says with a laugh, adding that without the people who love the opera house, there would be no show. “They’re making my dream come true,” says Karas.
The Saturday night performance – a fundraiser for the Historic Homestake Opera House – will open with emcee Vince ‘Schmaltz’ Coyle and accordionist extraordinaire Ricky Jacobsen as ‘Byron Soarin’. The show will also feature a 7-member band led by Jerry Pontius that will perform polka, waltz and Dixieland tunes. Even ‘Lorrence Velk’ will make a special appearance with the Bubble Ladies. There’s also a debut by pianist/accordionist ‘Jo Ann Tassel’; four-part harmony by ‘The Lemon Sisters’; Buckles & Bows square dancers; patriotic singers; ballroom dancers ‘Robby & Missy’ and much more.
Punch, champagne and wine will be available for purchase and a raffle will be held to win ‘The Champagne Variety Show Basket’ with all proceeds to go to the Historic Homestake Opera House.
The show opens this Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Homestake Opera House, 309 W. Main St. in Lead. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors 55+ years/children 12 and younger. All proceeds will benefit the Historic Homestake Opera House. There will be a blocked-off area at the front door for temporary parking and drop-offs. The building is accessible for wheelchairs. For more information about the show, call Sarah Carlson at 605-929-6427.
Karas, 81, is member of Deadwood-Lead Toastmasters and Disabled American Veterans. He is also a supporter of the Historic Homestake Opera House. When Karas was 24, he was sheriff of Faulk County, making him the youngest sheriff in the United States. In 1962, Karas moved to Deadwood with his wife Shirley where he worked as chief of police.
The city of Lead has found rejuvenation through the Historic Homestake Opera House. The building was nearly destroyed by fire in 1984, but extensive and ongoing restoration work has made it possible to house live performances to the Opera House stage.
The Historic Homestake Opera House Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to returning Lead’s Historic Opera House to productive use for the enrichment of the community and to provide educational and cultural opportunities for generations to come. For more information on the Society, visit www.leadoperahouse.org or call (605) 584-2067.

For more information about the Champagne Variety Show, contact:

Les Karas, 605-920-1466

Sarah Carlson, 605-929-6427