FeedsConcert to aid theater
Those who want to get a first-hand look at the progress being made at the Wayne Historic Theatre will soon get their chance.
The theater will host the first concert during the major rebuilding phase from 7-9 p.m. on Aug. 18, according to Don Nicholson, capital fundraising chairman for the historic theatre.
“The event is free, but the people joining us will have to listen to me give my speech on why we want to save the theatre and why we want them to donate what they can for the cause,” Nicholson said.
The theater is located on Michigan Avenue west of Wayne Road. There’s plenty of parking behind the facility.
The concert features Friends Four, an acoustic folk group, Nicholson said.
The theater hasn’t been active in years, although a renovation project has been under way inside. That effort gained more momentum this year, after building was cited by the City of Wayne as a dangerous building because of the long vacancy.
Since then, volunteers have dramatically improved the inside of the facility, hired an architect to come up with a new building design and put a fundraising drive in place.
Nicholson said those efforts have paid great dividends.
The inside of the theatre has been completely brought back to the way it used to be,” Nicholson said, referring to the removal of a floor that was installed when the theater served as several storefronts. “There’s no additional walls or floors to get in the way. We are now on clean up detail.”
He’s estimated that it will take about $1.5 million to return the theater to the glory days of 70 years ago and hopes donations and grants can help bridge the gap. He also visited several historic theaters on a recent trip and said he picked up additional promotional and fundraising ideas.
Collection cans have been distributed to several area businesses, too, including the Red Apple Inn, Brownie’s Diner and Dolly’s Pizza, all on Michigan Avenue, Al’s Friendly Market on Howe and Annapolis roads and at Norman’s Market on Wayne Road.
“We have support almost everywhere I go,” Nicholson said.
