The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE – The Masonic Theatre opened its doors Saturday night to guests who learned about the upcoming renovation plans for the 105-year-old landmark.
Guests enjoyed music by The White Oak Chamber Players, sampled treats provided by Jack Mason’s Tavern, Club Car, The Old Forge Coffee Company, Vic’s and Heirlooms. They were able to roam three levels of the theatre and be impressed by the spaciousness of the building and the decorations provided by Country Garden Florist.
The evening began with speeches on the future plans for the theatre by John Hillert, president of The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation, and Meade Snyder, vice-president of the foundation. Two of the three architects who are planning the renovation work, Keith and Marie Zawistowski, were on hand to show drawings, a model and talk about future plans for the theatre.
A video of area residents reminiscing about the history of the theatre debuted and will be available in the near future on the Masonic Theatre’s Web site www.historicmasonictheatre.com.
News and updates regarding the theatre and renovation progress will be available on the Web site.
The Masonic Theatre is celebrating its 105th year in 2010 and community volunteers have been involved in efforts to clean the theatre in addition to contributing to the success of the Saturday night event.
Many attendees of the Saturday night reception said they were excited about the prospect of revitalizing the building that has meant so much to the community.
The Masonic Theatre showed its versatility, fine acoustics and historical beauty in a week of events that included an Open House, Silent Movies starring Charlie Chaplin with live music provided by Betty Anderson, Lon Chaney, and a Sunday Classic Western Movie Matinee starring cowboy legends, Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy and Gene Autry – all who appeared live at the Masonic Theatre. Community members of all ages enjoyed the varied events.
Renovation work will span 2010 and 2011. If interested in becoming a theatre volunteer and/or contributing to the renovation, email masonictheatre@yahoo.com.
