Tucked within the heart of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, the John Fairlamb Theater stands as a testament to the city’s evolving relationship with art, culture, and community. Named after a prominent local educator and theater enthusiast, the theater became a key space for performance and community gathering during much of the 20th century. It wasn’t just a building—it was a place where stories were told, connections were built, and local talent was nurtured.
The theater served as a venue for high school plays, musical showcases, and civic presentations. For generations of Excelsior Springs residents, it played a central role in formative experiences, both on and off the stage.
Its Origins and Development
Built within the Excelsior Springs High School campus, the theater was originally a multipurpose auditorium. Over time, as demand grew for a more structured performance venue, the space evolved into a dedicated theater. This transition marked the beginning of what would become a centerpiece of the town’s cultural life.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, performances were held regularly, and student productions grew more ambitious. The venue became synonymous with creativity, learning, and community engagement. For students, it was a space to explore drama and music. For the public, it was a place to appreciate performances without leaving town.
The Period of Decline and Subsequent Closure
Like many small-town cultural institutions, the John Fairlamb Theater eventually fell victim to shifting priorities and budget constraints. As arts funding declined and school district resources were redirected, the once-vibrant theater slowly lost momentum.
By the early 2000s, the theater was underused. Maintenance issues went unaddressed, seating and lighting became outdated, and the energy that once filled the space dimmed. Eventually, the facility was shuttered. The closure marked the end of an era, but it also planted the seed for eventual revival.
The Revival of Firefly Event Center
In 2022, hope returned in the form of a community-driven project: the Firefly Event Center. Located in the historic high school building, the Firefly aimed to repurpose the old theater space while preserving its cultural value. This initiative was about more than restoring a building—it was about reclaiming a piece of community identity.
The Firefly Event Center took over the site of the former John Fairlamb Theater and reimagined it as a multifunctional venue for the arts. The idea was simple: bring people back together through events, performances, and shared experiences in the very same location that had once been the heart of Excelsior Springs’ cultural life.
A Vision for Revitalization
The vision behind Firefly was led by local leaders, artists, and former students who remembered what the theater once represented. Their goal was to make the space accessible and relevant again—not just for traditional theater but for weddings, concerts, corporate functions, and community events.
The team understood that nostalgia alone wouldn’t carry the project. So they developed a plan grounded in sustainability, local partnerships, and year-round programming. Community input played a key role in shaping the new direction, ensuring that the center would meet a broad range of needs.
Renovation and the Grand Opening Ceremony
Renovation of the former John Fairlamb Theater began in 2023. The process was extensive. Old seats were removed and replaced with more flexible, event-friendly seating. The stage was updated with new rigging and sound equipment. Dressing rooms and backstage areas were redesigned for modern use. The goal was to keep the character of the original space while bringing it up to present-day standards.
The grand opening of the Firefly Event Center in early 2024 was met with enthusiasm and pride. The inaugural event featured a lineup of performances from local musicians, theater groups, and student ensembles. Former alumni returned to see the transformation. The night was filled with memories, both old and new.
A Center for Varied Events
Since reopening, the Firefly Event Center has hosted a wide variety of events. From local business mixers to high school reunions, from community forums to art exhibitions, the venue quickly re-established itself as a central gathering place.
One weekend, a wedding reception might fill the hall with music and dancing. The next, a stage production could take over with an entirely different atmosphere. This flexibility has made the space accessible and appealing to a wide audience.
Theatrical Productions
While Firefly has embraced many event types, theatrical productions remain at its core. Local theater companies and schools continue to use the stage for plays, musicals, and seasonal shows. Productions are often family-friendly and feature actors of all ages.
The updated acoustics and lighting equipment have helped raise the quality of performances, and attendance numbers have steadily increased. The space has become a training ground for young performers and a place for adults to reconnect with the arts.
Community Engagement and Festivities
Beyond formal performances, the center has become a venue for casual and festive community events. Annual holiday markets, open mic nights, storytelling events, and civic celebrations now draw crowds regularly.
One particularly successful event is the “Voices of Excelsior” talent showcase, which invites locals of all skill levels to share music, poetry, or dramatic monologues. It’s not about competition—it’s about expression and community spirit.
Educational and Cultural Initiatives
A key focus of the Firefly Event Center is education. Workshops in acting, set design, and voice training are offered regularly. These programs are open to students as well as adults looking to build new skills or return to long-lost hobbies.
The space also hosts cultural lectures and film screenings that dive into Missouri’s history, architecture, and folklore. These events, often run in collaboration with the local historical society, help keep Excelsior’s stories alive for the next generation.
Slightly Off Broadway Theatre: A Complementary Cultural Space
While the Firefly Event Center has revived the spirit of the original John Fairlamb Theater, it is not the only performance venue in town. Slightly Off Broadway Theatre (SOB) continues to operate as a well-established part of Excelsior Springs’ cultural ecosystem.
Founded in the late 1990s, Slightly Off Broadway is a community theater company that specializes in musicals, dramas, and youth programming. Its existence complements the broader cultural growth fueled by the Firefly center.
Overview of Offerings
SOB’s productions are held in a dedicated theater space just a short distance from the Firefly venue. The two organizations often support one another—sharing talent, collaborating on outreach, and building audiences together.
While Firefly may host more varied event types, Slightly Off Broadway offers a focused lineup of theatrical performances, including regional premieres and original works.
Highlights of the 2024 Season
2024 has been a banner year for the arts in Excelsior Springs. Some standout events featured in the Firefly Event Center’s calendar include:
- “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, performed by local high school students with assistance from professional directors.
- Jazz & BBQ Night, combining local cuisine with live music for a lively weekend event.
- Film Fridays, a monthly documentary screening followed by community discussion.
- Holiday Choral Festival, featuring performances from five area school choirs and local adult ensembles.
Meanwhile, Slightly Off Broadway Theatre’s season included productions of Mamma Mia!, Steel Magnolias, and a children’s theater adaptation of The Jungle Book.
Community Impact and Participation
The revival of the John Fairlamb Theater space into the Firefly Event Center has had a ripple effect across Excelsior Springs. It’s more than just a performance venue—it’s become a platform for civic involvement, collaboration, and youth development.
Local businesses have seen increased foot traffic on event nights. Volunteer opportunities at the center have given retirees and students a way to connect. The arts are once again a visible, vital part of everyday life in the city.
Excelsior Springs: A Hub for Culture
While known historically for its mineral springs and resort heritage, Excelsior Springs is now emerging as a regional hub for culture and events. The reopening of the theater has contributed to a broader sense of momentum.
Galleries, cafes, and art fairs now line the streets near the historic downtown district. New generations of residents are seeing the city not just as a place to live but as a place to experience.
The Expanding Arts Scene
More and more residents are engaging with the arts—not just as audience members but as creators. The Firefly Center hosts local art exhibits, and new mural projects have emerged through community-led grants. There is also growing interest in starting a summer arts festival that could bring visitors from across the region.
The arts scene is no longer a side story in Excelsior Springs—it’s becoming a central chapter.
Events and Attractions
Regular events continue to shape the cultural rhythm of the city:
- Second Saturday Art Walks: Artists and performers line the sidewalks each month.
- Music in the Park: Free concerts during summer evenings in downtown.
- Fall Story Festival: A weekend devoted to local folklore, storytelling, and oral traditions.
Each event brings fresh energy and visitors to town, boosting both morale and the local economy.
Prospects for the Future
Looking ahead, the prospects for the Firefly Event Center and Excelsior Springs’ cultural scene are promising. Plans are underway to expand the educational programming and increase collaboration with regional arts organizations.
Fundraising is ongoing for further upgrades to the space, including accessibility improvements and backstage expansions. With steady leadership and a strong community base, the center is poised to grow.
Conclusion
The story of the John Fairlamb Theater is one of rise, fall, and rebirth. From its early days as a student-focused performance space to its closure and eventual transformation into the Firefly Event Center, the theater has mirrored the community’s journey.
Excelsior Springs has reclaimed a vital piece of its heritage—not by looking backward, but by building something new from the past. The theater lives again, not just in memory but in action. And with every new curtain rise, a new chapter begins.
