A cold one at the Melodrama?
Photo by CHANSE WATSON The front exterior of the Sixth Street Melodrama & Theater in Wallace. If they qualify, the historic theater beer and wine license could bring in some additional revenue to the small establishment. The Melodrama first became a reality in 1983 when founders Don and Joan Springer, and Sherrill and Pat Grounds got a small group together to bring live theater to the community.
WALLACE — Bars and restaurants are on the list of venues that one would expect to see someone order up a frosty beer or chilled glass of wine; but what about at a theater? If all the requirements are met, the Sixth Street Melodrama & Theater in Wallace could be added to this list of venues thanks to some new Idaho legislation passed earlier this month.
On March 15, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed into law House Bill 157, which permits theaters that were built before 1950 and are on the Historic Registry of Theaters to sell beer and wine. These qualifying theaters would also need to apply for a beer and wine license.
“Preserving the culture of a place is one of the biggest reasons that I brought this piece of legislation,” said Representative Mat Erpelding (D-Boise), after it was signed into law. “The legislature needs to start taking actions to protect the valuable landmarks that we have in Idaho. I am pleased with the overwhelming support for this bill and I am excited to see the positive impacts it will have.”
With the bill’s passage, Melodrama President Brady Bourgard said that the theater’s board is exploring the potential of acquiring the historic theater beer and wine license, but they must first make sure they meet the bill’s criteria.
“Right now we are simply seeking more information and asking questions,” he said. “I believe that if we qualify, we will pursue this license primarily for use during fundraisers and special events.”
A possible sticking point to getting the license may stem from the amount of time the building has been the home of the Melodrama.
While the Kelly Building is well over 100 years old and is on the National Historic Registry (like all the buildings in Wallace), it hasn’t always hosted a theater.
According to the theater’s website, the Melodrama was established in 1983 and originally started out on the lot where the Northern Pacific Depot Museum currently sits. Efforts to secure the Kelly Building were eventually successful and the theater location changed in 1984. After several years in the building, grant funding was secured which enabled the remodeling of the downstairs area and the storefront, installing a furnace and painting both the interior and exterior.
“Our main question was if we would qualify, as our building has only been a theater since 1983 and wasn’t originally built as a theater,” Bourgard said.
There are no plans to sell alcohol at any productions at this time, but this could change if the theater gets the license.
For more information on HB-157, visit https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2019/legislation/H0157/
Stay up to date with the theater by visiting their website at www.sixthstreetmelodrama.com or checking out their Facebook page.