Timing is everything.
In December, the children’s book, “Shakespeare and the Crown Jewel: A Story of The Matthews Opera House,” goes on sale. Just in time for your holiday shopping. The 32-page, full-color book was written by Dr. Joanna Jones and illustrated by Laurie Williams-Hayes, both of Spearfish. The book’s price is $20 and can be purchased in The Matthews’ Art Gallery, by phone (605-642-7973).
The collaboration took over a year and a half to complete. It all started after a Bellman Brown Bag presentation by Jones and Nancy Cartwright talking about, “Henry’s Adventure at the Franklin Hotel,” a children’s book created about the historic building in Deadwood. This gave The Matthews’ executive director, Sian Young, an idea. She thought it would be wonderful to have a similar book for the opera house.
As reported by the Black Hills Pioneer, “It’s so obvious to have a children’s book about the opera house. We have children that are engaged down here all the time. Families are intimately involved and have been for generations,” Young said. “It’s a magical place, as it captures their imagination.”
Young took her idea to Jones, who already had several children’s book projects under her belt. Jones then asked Laurie Williams-Hayes, to be the illustrator for this new project. Laurie is an artist and teacher who has been involved with children’s, high school, and community theater in Spearfish. Once teamed up, they started the task of researching the stage’s history.
While in its draft stage, the book’s title was “The Crown Jewel.” The final title, “Shakespeare and the Crown Jewel: A Story of The Matthews Opera House,” is told from the perspective of three children who are trying out for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the opera house. One of the children, a girl who understands the true magic of theater, can see and speak to Shakespeare, an important part of The Matthews’ theater. He is painted on the ceiling of the theater. Also, in 2016, the world will be celebrating the 400th anniversary of his death. Coincidentally, 2016 is also the 110th anniversary of the opera house.
In the story, readers will not only learn its history but everything else that goes into putting on a play. Some of the lessons learned are blocking, theatrical terms, putting together costumes, and stage makeup.
Sale information
The book was printed by Seaton Publishing Co., Inc. of Spearfish. The retail cost of the book is $20. It is available for sale in The Matthews’ Art Gallery.
Funded by
The publication of this book is funded by the following organizations:
- The Frontier Fund of the South Dakota Community Foundation
- City of Spearfish Fund of the South Dakota Community Foundation
- The Mary Chilton DAR Foundation
- The Spearfish Optimist Club
- The Kelley Family
