Some thirty years ago, my wife and I were wandering the region around Death Valley. We were coming in the back way for some reason. We came to an odd looking building and I just had to stop. It had a strange color scheme and long arched exterior corridors. It was absolutely deserted or rather vacant. We came to an entranceway and were met by a lady I’m sure was Marta Becket. She had a forceful demeaner. A woman of energy. I asked if the opera house was still a going concern. She said ofcourse it was and they had rooms to rent as well. She wrote the room rates on a brochure and handed it to me. Beween the strange building and the appearing of Marta Becket, I knew this was an interesting story. I wanted to come back some day. I kept the brochure. Keep in mind the location of this place is so far out, so remote, I doubt they got a car through there a day. Maybe things have changed. But the town of Death Valley Junction where this opera house stands has a population of four.

Marta Becket passed away in 2017. I just put up the brochure on Ebay for $24.99. There are other Marta Becket memorabilia on eBay. I based my price on those comparisons. She was popular and quite a news story. I read there was a documentary on her called Amargosa that won an Emmy Award.

My eBay listing: This is a glossy paper 4-fold brochure printed on both sides. One side or quarter is in color, the rest in black and white. The brochure advertises “Cupid’s Mistake” with Tom Willett. Other performances are mentioned: “Curtain Raiser” and The Second Mortgage.” 

The handwriting in blue ink states the cost of rooms per night. This writing I believe is from Marta Becket. My wife and I were passing by, about 1993, and I stopped to walk the old building which we did. She was there and informed us that the opera house was still in operation and we could spend the night if we’d like. She wrote down the room rates. Because she didn’t sign it I’m not going claim it was her that wrote the rates. But I know it was by her strong demeaner.