The new Ellis Performing Arts Center (Photo by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon Herald)

By Betsy Finklea
The Ellis Performing Arts Center opened on Thursday with a performance by the Latta Community Singers. Prior to the performance, benefactors enjoyed a reception at Abingdon Manor. More will be in one of next week’s issues of The Dillon Herald. Shown in the photos are scenes from the performance as well as various photos from the inside of the new center.
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The Latta Community Singers perform “Home” in the first song of their show at the Ellis Performing Arts Center in Latta. (Video by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon Herald)

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The Latta Community Singers perform “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” in their initial performance at Ellis Performing Arts Center in Latta. (Video by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon Herald)

By Betsy Finklea
The Ellis Performing Arts Center opened last Thursday with a performance by the Latta Community Singers.
According to a history printed in the program, “Latta High School lost its auditorium to a fire in 1970. This venue had for decades been the center of Latta’s cultural life. Chapel programs, plays, recitals, pageants, and various other performances were held there. For years after the fire, students had had far less venues for performances and events than the one enjoyed by others prior to that fire.”
“In 2012, Fred and Bonnie Ard Ellis, Latta High Alumnae, gave a generous gift to initiate creating a state-of-the-art performance auditorium  in Latta a reality. Construction was begun on the $2.5 million renovation of the 1954 gymnasium that now includes the Rice auditorium (named in honor of the Eddie and Dollie Rice family), recognition plaza, lighting and sound systems, and other performing arts technology. Now students will be trained in the use of this latest technology. The training and actual hands-on technology will prepare students for future job opportunities. Students performing in this state-of-the-art facility can further their career opportunities as dancers, musicians, actors, and actresses,” the history states.
Prior to Thursday night’s event, donors were entertained at a reception at Abingdon Manor and then moved to The Ellis Performing Arts Center, where they were joined by members of the general public, to enjoy a performance in the auditorium by the Latta Community Singers.
Dr. John Kirby, dressed in a tuxedo and top hat, opened the program with some remarks before turning it over to Eleanor Dew Powers, a Latta High alumni, who is the new director of The Ellis Performing Arts Center. She also  made remarks.
Then the Latta Community Singers led by Cindy LeGette took the stage and performed Home is Where The Heart Is, Day-O (The Banana Boat Song), Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home?, The Dover Cliffs, Daddy Sang Bass, City Called Heaven, I’m Going Home, Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Angels Carry Me Home, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, Amazing Grace/Amazing Love!, and Home.
The performers for Thursday’s event included the following Susan Johnson, Lorene Arnette, Rachel Caulder, Lillie Anna Grice, Chelsea Phillips, Vickie Phillips, Molly Platt, Jeannie Shelley, Cheryl Stubbs, Jerri Turbeville, Jimmy Ard, Percy Brigman, Frank Easterling, Lee Phillips, Jamoris Robinson, Denise Ard, Noma Bowman, Kathy Cassidy, Terry McColl, Hepsy Parham, Faye Perritt, Mary Lou Power, Gerald Berry, Lawrence Bowman, Corky Lane, LaFon LeGette, Rob Lesser, Clayton Parham, Abbott Shelley, James Caulder, William Hayes, Eddie Hayes, Carol Stoops, Anthony McCall and Travis Power.
In a surprise performance, contributor Fred Ellis played the Latta High alma mater.
The Ellis Performing Arts Center is located on the Latta High School campus between Latta High School and Latta Middle School.