Posted on Jul 22, 2021
 
Elizabeth Baker grew up surrounded by Weatherford native and actress Mary Martin, most famously known as the original “Peter Pan” and the mother of actor Larry Hagman, who first starred in the TV show “I Dream of Jeanie” and then became internationally known for his role as J.R. Ewing in the TV series “Dallas.”
 
“I had a big picture of Mary Martin over my bed,” said Elizabeth, who was Wednesday's guest speaker at this week's Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meeting.
 
Like Mary Martin, Elizabeth is also a Weatherford native. Today, she is the theatre director/music educator at – where else – Mary Martin Elementary School in Hudson Oaks for Weatherford ISD. She grew up loving musicals, having attended productions at Casa Manaña Theatre in Fort Worth as a child. Elizabeth received her formal education in music from the University of North Texas, then returned to Weatherford to start her family with her husband, Brent Baker.
 
After taking the teaching position in 2011, Elizabeth began producing children's theater shows starting, with – what else – “Peter Pan.” Not sure what to expect, the first audition saw 150 children show up. “We are going to have a lot of Indians,” Elizabeth recalled thinking to herself. They ended up performing in the WHS auditorium with what became a major production that included children magically flying in the air.
 
Elizabeth has gone on to produce many other children's theater shows. Along the way she has pooled together and formed a team of theater directors, choreographers and production specialists. In 2021, she began Second Star Theatre Co. The name comes from “Peter Pan” and refers to the destination of the second star to the right, the entrance to “Neverland,” where children never grow up.
 
Needing a place to stage productions and conduct theater camps, fate brought Elizabeth in contact with Cody Jordan who had the perfect places – The Crazy Water Hotel and directly across the street the former Grand Theater. Elizabeth recently held auditions for “Aladdin Kids” and next week will host a summer acting camp for youth in the ballroom of the Crazy Water Hotel where – what else – Mary Martin had her first dance studio.
 
It is all meant to be.
 
Elizabeth is planning a murder mystery event during Halloween at the Crazy and a holiday community theater production in December with plans to renovate the historic Grand Theater and make it the home of Second Star Theatre Co.
 
Taking place in the Crazy Water Hotel upstairs ballroom, the performance “Aladdin and Kids” will be open and free (donations accepted) to the public at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 30. Find Second Star Theatre Co. on Facebook, like and share them and follow them as they announce future events and opportunities. With so much local and area talent, who knows how many stars will be born at Second Star Theatre Co. in Mineral Wells.
 
Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets every Wednesday at noon at Southside Church of Christ. Lunches are catered by Sadie's Eats. Meetings are for members, prospective members and invited guests. If you are interested in becoming a Rotarian visit our website and reach to a Rotarian for invitation to a meeting and more information. Next week's scheduled speaker is Randy Nix.