To see an exciting, high-energy play or musical in Giles County, performing arts patrons need only head to the same place like-minded people turned 140 years ago – the opera house on Pulaski’s town square.

The historic building is the new home of the Southern Tennessee Area Arts Repertory, a nonprofit community theater organization that presents a different play or musical every six weeks.

“The opera house building was built in 1868, and it’s the oldest standing opera house in the South,” says Tammy Pierchoski, past president and financial developer for STAAR. “Our 10-year plan is to restore it. It’s such a jewel on our square, and walking into it is like walking onto the Titanic – it’s just awesome.”

The building saw many years of prosperity, serving as an opera house until the 1940s. It featured extraordinary architecture, including intricate woodwork and a domed ceiling.

“We have photos of people performing on stage there from 1925,” Pierchoski says. “Estimates to restore it have been around $1.5 million.”

STAAR is currently performing in the basement of the building, which the group has transformed into a dinner theater with approximately 100 seats.

“We have a lot of people come from out of town and even out of state, so we like to give them a full evening of entertainment, including dinner,” Pierchoski says. “We use local caterers, and usually dinner is a buffet with your choice of meats, veggies, rice, rolls, desserts, coffee and tea. We also offer a full concession stand for folks who just come for the show.”

STAAR has about 200 members, including young children, teenagers and adults.

“There’s a lot of family involvement. You might have Mom and Dad building sets, and the kids are in the show,” Pierchoski says. “It gives kids and youth the opportunity to get up on stage and build self-confidence in a clean, safe environment.”

Past STAAR productions have included favorites such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Bye Bye Birdie, Steel Magnolias, 1776 and Grease.

“We recently did High School Musical with middle and high school students, and we had a cast of almost 80,” says Mary Ann Trimble, president of the board of directors for STAAR. “And we had 48 students try out for Grease.”

Upcoming STAAR productions include Tuesdays with Morrie in November and The Nutcracker in December.

“This is truly a community theater. Everyone is welcome, and we have some wonderful talent,” Trimble says. “To have such great entertainment here locally is outstanding.”

Trimble says STAAR’s productions have been well received by the community.

“We’ve had tremendous support, so that’s been encouraging,” she says. “It looks like theater is alive and well in Giles County.”