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Death Valley’s amazing diva and the Amargosa Opera House - Page 3

© Brian Salisbury

Improvements continued throughout the intervening years when, in 1981, a specially formed corporation bought the entire town. Subsequently, Death Valley Junction and the Amargosa Opera House were listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

In April 1984, the opera house paid off the mortgage on Death Valley Junction, which essentially granted Marta ownership of the town and everything in it.

Some may wonder, throughout this entire saga, what ever happened to Marta's husband, whom we left fixing the trailer's flat tire. Reports are that around the time Marta was populating the theater walls and ceiling with her own imaginary audience, he exited, stage left, to pursue other interests.

My own introduction to the Amargosa Opera House and hotel occurred quite by chance last summer when a riding buddy and I decided to take a cruise from Las Vegas to Death Valley.

We passed through Death Valley Junction on our way to the park's east entrance along California Route 190. But only a few miles later, a road barrier prevented us from continuing. Heavy rains had washed out large sections of the parks interior roads, which restricted travel through many areas.

We circled back to Death Valley Junction and stopped to explore the U-shaped complex of adobe buildings. At the time, I was not aware of the buildings' history or even the existence of the opera house. However, before I could start looking around, a huge peacock -- yes a peacock -- strolled over to scrutinize me. While I've never heard of an attack peacock, I didn't move until the bird lost interest and strutted away.

After checking out the hotel lobby and gift shop, and leafing through some of the books and pamphlets that enlightened me to the buildings' history and significance, I walked over to the opera house. Unfortunately, just like Death Valley, it too was closed.

I had never been to that area of the country before, and I don't know when I'll return. But, if I do, I will definitely head back to Death Valley Junction on a Saturday night to see Marta Becket dance and sing and act at the Amargosa Opera House.

* * * To learn more about the 120-seat Amargosa Opera House and its adjoining hotel, or to make reservations or get directions, click onto http://www.amargosa-opera-house.com. Or call (760) 852-4441.

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