Missouri Theater panelists share oral history at milestone event
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Long-time creatives will spend an afternoon reminiscing about a local staple in a milestone oral history event.
Panelists Noel Good, Sharon Gray, Bill McMurray and Frank Polleck will share a few memories and experiences from their decades-long service to the arts and their experience and history of the Missouri Theater.
McMurray, having served as Saint Joseph Symphony Board President and St. Joseph Mayor, has stories about the theater and City Hall for the buildings' centennial anniversaries.
Both buildings opened in 1927, and both were ornamented by a young plaster artist named Waylande Gregory.
The event is free and open to the public, courtesy of donations from The Friends of the MO Theater. It will take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 717 Edmond St.
“This program will dig deep to share stories from some of the foundational community advocates and
entertainers of the Missouri Theater,” said Lori McAlister, chair of the Centennial Celebration Series
Committee. “And they are still active contributors! Yes, we have a treasure in our buildings, but it is the
dedication of folks like these that ensures that kind of longevity. We want people to know just how lucky we all are!"
Most of the panelists’ theater recollections extend back to their childhoods.
Gray recalls seeing the movie “Shane” in the early 1950s, then appearing on stage when teaching at MWSU starting in 1967.
Good saw “My Fair Lady” and recalls elementary school field trips to the theater to see the Saint Joseph Symphony. Good played viola in the symphony for more than 40 years.
McMurray recalls seeing “The Song of Bernadette” in the late 1950s. He recounts catching the bus at City Hall as an 8-year-old to get home.
McMurray later returned to City Hall to serve as St Joseph’s 57th Mayor (2018-2022).
Polleck grew up in the theater, watching cartoons and newsreels at age 6 or 7 while his eldest sister worked in an office next door.
The program will be recorded by Steven Carillo to capture the oral history. There will also be a special recognition for the event.
“We are gratified by the interest people have shown in these opportunities to become more deeply engaged with MO Theater and City Hall,” said McAlister. “That’s why we started creating events well in advance; to give people a chance to hear about it and learn more about it so they know what we’re celebrating in 2027.”
The group said it is planning a run of special events in 2027, culminating in Centennial Days from June 25 through July 27, 2027.
Centennial Events are organized by the Centennial Celebration Series (CCS) Committee in anticipation of the 100th Anniversary of City Hall and the Missouri Theater in 2027.
Most centennial events are offered at no charge, though donations to Friends of the MO Theater.
Anyone wanting more information is encouraged to email CelebrationSeries2027@gmail.com or phone Committee Chair Lori McAlister at 402-802-2099.
