Marta Becket, Ballerina Extraordinare, R.I.P.

[ArdraF]

Marta Becket, who founded the Amargosa Opera House, died in Death Valley Junction CA on January 30, 2017 at the age of 92 years.  Marta was well-known to many RVers and others who stopped in Death Valley Junction on their way to/from Death Valley.  In 1967, the classically-trained dancer stopped in Death Valley Junction because of a flat tire.  While there she found the old borax company's community hall, bought it, and never left.  She converted the hall to the Amargosa Opera House where she put on one-woman productions until 2012.  The very talented Marta painted the entire opera house interior which included murals of audiences so she would never have to perform to an empty house.

ArdraF

 

[SargeW]

Wow, that's too bad. But, 92 is a pretty good run. Especially if you love where you are and what you are doing. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[SeilerBird]

Thanks for the news Ardra. That is so sad, she was an institution to all of us who loved Death Valley.

 

[retusn]

Sad news for sure.  I took a tour of her theater and she hand painted all the walls to appear that she had a full house all the time.  I live a little over an hour from Death Valley Junction.  The whole hotel,theater, and they are restoring (slowly) all the buildings on the grounds. 

 

[Lou Schneider]

I had the pleasure of meeting Marta a couple of years ago.  Truly a remarkable lady.

There will be a Celebration of Life this Friday at the Opera House.  It happens to be the 49th anniversary of her arrival at Death Valley Junction.

The Pahrump Valley Times has a very nice feature article and obituary.

http://pvtimes.com/news/marta-becket-s-last-curtain-call