AUBURN – Just minutes before the curtain rose on Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre’s June production of “I Hate Hamlet,” the lighting failed and the stage went dark. The lighting technician worked frantically to restore the lights to no avail.

An emergency call was placed to the light designer, who went rushing over. He was able to tinker with the light console and get it to work. The crisis had passed and the stage was in the spotlight once again. The show went on.

Many such episodes have occurred over the years, but this was the most serious. The lighting console and dimming system are in disrepair. The last time it was upgraded was 25 years ago. Duct tape has held it together. The equipment is obsolete and parts to repair it are no longer available.

The cost to upgrade and install the system by a master electrician is $20,000. So the decision was made by the theater board, after obtaining estimates and other details, to alert the patrons and businesses, and establish a fund to defray the cost of the expense. Donations have started to come in, but the road ahead is long.

CLT will have a “yardstick” on display in the lobby of Lewiston Middle School during the run of “Fiddler on the Roof” Aug. 19 to 28. It will measure the progress for attaining the goal and keep the public apprised.

It is hoped the new system will be installed prior to “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” running Oct. 6 to 16. CLT has the Maine premiere of the show for community theaters.

Fund donations will be accepted at CLT, P.O. Box 262, Auburn, ME 04212-0262. They may also be made on the Web at www.laCLT.com.