After more than seven years without a permanent home, Orange Community Players, Inc. (OCP) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new theater, the Jeff Hattman Center for Performing Arts, located at 3330 Bowling Ln, Orange, TX 77630. The long-awaited celebration will occur on March 15, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., followed by a musical revue at 7:37 p.m.
The milestone marks OCP’s triumphant return after its original Division Street playhouse was permanently closed in 2017 due to severe flood damage from Tropical Storm Harvey. The loss of the building and skyrocketing flood insurance forced OCP to relocate. After years of perseverance, renovations, and community support, the organization is finally ready to welcome audiences back.
“This has been a long road, but we refused to be denied,” said Paul Burch, OCP President. “Last Thursday, when the fire inspector told me, ‘Mr. Burch, you are ready to go.’ It was the moment we had been waiting for.”
OCP’s first full production in its new space will be “The Savannah Sipping Society,” a heartwarming comedy about four Southern women seeking to reinvigorate their lives. Directed by Diana Hill, the play will run for four performances from March 20 to 23, 2025.
The play, originally scheduled for OCP’s 2017 season, had already been cast when Harvey struck. Now, Hill is holding auditions to fill open roles, and some of the original cast members may return.
Once again, bringing this production to life was nearly delayed due to licensing complications. One of the original playwrights passed away, and the remaining two were overseas, making approvals difficult. Fortunately, Jeff Hattman’s family stepped in, securing the necessary permissions just last week, ensuring the show could go on.
With only six weeks to rehearse, Hill and her team are working tirelessly to adapt the production for OCP’s black box theater format, a more intimate setup where the stage is centered, and audiences surround the performance space on three sides. Lighting effects will play a major role in scene transitions, and some elements may need to be rented to complete the setup in time.
OCP’s grand opening event will allow the public to explore the new venue, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate this historic moment. Patrons can also purchase tickets for the 7:37 p.m. musical revue, a nod to OCP’s tradition of starting performances at an unusual time—a holdover from the days when productions had to wait for passing trains before raising the curtain.
The lobby will feature a tribute to Jeff Hattman, a longtime OCP member, and the venue’s namesake. A director’s chair embroidered with “Jeff” and a large photograph of Hattman will be a permanent reminder of his impact on the organization.
Beyond its reopening, OCP is committed to revitalizing local performing arts. The Young People’s Theater Workshop will return under new leadership this summer, with longtime OCP board member Codie Vasquez overseeing the program.
Future plans include expanding the theater’s north side to accommodate a traditional auditorium and stage setup once funding allows.
“We’re excited to rebuild OCP into a thriving part of the community again,” said Burch. “None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of Orange County.”
For more information on upcoming productions and to purchase tickets, visit ocplayers.org.
