At the turn of the 18th century, Colonel Henry P. King recognized the need for live theater to be introduced to the bustling border town of Van Buren, Arkansas. With nothing more than an intent to bring Van Buren into a closer bond with the performing arts, the King Opera House would stir up more tempers than interest once vaudeville made it’s way into the south. When the prestigious local doctor, Dr. Parchman heard of his daughters intent to jump train with a local vaudeville actor, Parchman took questionable measures to ensure his daughters future remain untainted by the filthy performer.