Set designer, James Carhart, speaks to Rotarians

Pat Doody.

Jennifer Palakiko and James Carhart.

The featured speaker at the April 18 Rotary meeting was local celebrity James Carhart, who is recognized locally as part of the BeeKay Theatre community. Carhart has designed sets for such plays as "Baskerville," "The Importance of Being Earnest," "Young Frankenstein" and the "The Addams Family," as well as the current play, "Murder on the Orient Express."

Born in New York, James spent much of his childhood traveling the world. His interest in the theater developed during his studies at Carnegie Mellon University. He worked in New York before coming to Los Angeles, becoming known as a set designer working with the likes of Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. His sets are well known on television, in theater and at corporate events. Carhart had many stories to tell of his experiences in Los Angeles where he is still on call for productions.

Carhart and his wife Linda, a local Rotarian, moved to Tehachapi in 2006. They have two adult children and two darling granddaughters.

The Rotary Club of Tehachapi is a volunteer service organization with the motto, "Service Above Self." The Club meets at Kelcy's Restaurant on Thursdays at noon. For more information about Rotary Club, you can visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofTehachapi/.