Main Street Theater excited to reopen after structural repairs
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Main Street Theater had a successful reopening this past weekend, but still has a lot of fundraising left in order to build the art space of their dreams.
On January 14 and 15, patrons of the theater were serenaded by The Heroes, composed of Joel Weaver and Brad Davis of Commerce. The fare included traditional country western as well as classic rock, jazz, and sketch comedy.
“The music was perfect, and it’s great to see how much they engage the crowd,” said theater president Lyndie Mansfield. “We would love to have them back– it’s amazing how dedicated they are to supporting the arts in small venues.”
More than one hundred patrons across the two evenings were in-house to enjoy the entertainment in a newly structurally refurbished building. For over 30 years, Main Street Theater and the Community Players have provided quality programming, but in mid-2018 the nearly 100-year-old building began to show its age.
“The front and back walls of our building have deteriorated to a point that immediate action is required,” an April 2021 release by the group noted.
After being shuttered during most of the COVID-19 pandemic, the theater received a cash infusion of $170,000 from the city of Sulphur Springs and volunteer labor from local construction firm XLNT in order to save their building.
The Heroes musical act also donated their time and talents for the opening as part of their mission to uplift the arts in Northeast Texas, and Community Players were able to keep the ticket sales for the remodel.
However, according to Mansfield, the work is far from over.
“Even though all the remodel has not been finished, we were so excited to reopen as part of the community and welcome the community back in,” Mansfield said. “However, we still need donations to finish the lobby remodel and start the next big project: the HVAC system.”
According to their GoFundMe, the Community Players have raised $845 of their $30,000 goal to complete interior repairs.
However, noted Mansfield, the opening was a good start, and the theater is thankful to have the support of the community.
“We love to see people go out and make a special night of it,” she said.
Upcoming shows:
- January 21-23, 28-30- Charley’s Aunt– Laugh-out-loud confusion abounds in this drag-dressing, meet-the-parents style comedy featuring a befuddled nephew, his fiancee, and his wealthy aunt from Brazil.
- February 11- Fashion show- with Marlene’s Sass & Class
- February 12- Jazz night (feat. Phinesse Farms Winery in-house, with available carriage rides on the square)
- February 25-26- Night of One Act plays– Presented by local high school students
- March 18-20, 25- 27- Barbecuing Hamlet- Not your high school Shakespeare; zany characters emerge to give a unique tribute to life as a member of community theater
- April 22-24, 29, May 1- CHESS presents Treasure Island- Join Christian Home School Educators of Sulphur Springs as they sail the swashbuckling seas with this Robert Louis Stevenson classic
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.communityplayersinc.com/
By Taylor Nye. Abbi Beggs contributed to this report.
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