Well, more like two very big problems – just what to do with the thick purple and gold curtains that have garnished the stage for over 40 years. Each of the two large panels were 18 by 24 feet, and weighed about 250 pounds.

At the same time, in Dunkirk, Northern Chautauqua Catholic School (NCCS) was in need of large theater curtains. They had considered several grant-based avenues to renovate the stage, but they knew with the high dollar amount, the right grant would take time to find. For teachers at a small private school, the luxury of time is not always on their side.

Fortunately, once Executive Director Rick Davis found out about the need, he was happy to help by making the donation on behalf of the Opera House.

“It was a match made in heaven,” said Mike Cordovano, of Northern Chautauqua Catholic School. “We are so grateful to our friends at the Fredonia Opera House – their contribution has made all the difference for the NCCS stage.”

A grant for new curtains at the Fredonia Opera House, pictured, led to a donation from the Opera House to the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.

It is $35,000 worth of difference, if we’re talking numbers.

“We’re thrilled that the curtains were able to remain in the community and be put to good use,” Davis said. “We offer year-round programming and we try to offer something for everyone in the community. In this case, we were able to offer curtains!”

Several teachers and parents from the school transported and hoisted the curtains high into their new home.

“When we stepped back to take a look, it hit us – the curtains match the school’s purple and gold colors perfectly. It was spine tingling,” said Jane Villella, the music teacher and drama director. “It was as if those curtains had been hanging in Fredonia for decades, just waiting for their home here at NCCS.”

“It has been wonderful to be a part of the preservation of these pieces of history.” added Paul Pinto, NCCS principal. “Those curtains arrived at the Fredonia Opera House around 1993. Now they can open for new audiences in Dunkirk. That’s a real legacy.”

For more information on events and how to make a donation, visit nccschool.us and fredopera.org.