When the doors open again, it won’t be the same
By MISTY MAYNARD
Staff Writer
Indulge in a little nostalgia, tour the rooms inside the Washington Opera House one last time before it’s closed for renovations. When the doors open again, it won’t be the same.
“We thought people might enjoy walking through the theater before the process begins,” said Debbie Lewis, president of the Maysville Players board of directors.
The open house, fittingly titled, “One Last Glimpse,” will take place Nov. 25 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend to reminisce with friends. People are also encouraged to bring a camera to photograph the theater before its face-lift.
Lewis said it seemed every time the Players opened the doors of the historic theater, something else needed to be fixed. The Players struggled to keep the doors open for plays and other productions, but it finally got to the point where major renovation needed to be done. Though it has been a lengthy struggle, the group is eager to see the fruition of its work.
“To have everything fixed … it’s going to be wonderful,” Lewis said. “We have worked so hard to get this money to restore this theater.”
The project will cost $2.8 million in all, and the players have already raised about $2.3 million. More fund-raising will take place in coming months to fill the gap.
As part of the renovation project, the building will be made handicapped accessible, feature a new elevator, new concession, ticket and office areas, new floors, seats and windows on one side of the building which were damaged by some problems with the foundation. The theater and ballroom will also be completely redone.
Members of the Maysville Players will be located in different rooms to describe to those walking through what changes and improvements will be made, Lewis said.
The building was constructed during the 1850s and is the fifth oldest of its kind in the United States. The value placed on the performing arts when the theater was constructed did not lessen with time, though the focus eventually changed to a movie house to accommodate motion pictures.
“The building is over 150 years old and has a lot of history,” said Lewis.
For Lewis, it’s about more than preserving history. She is personally attached to the structure. If all continues as planned, Lewis said the Players are planning an open house following the renovation exactly one year from when the public gets it’s last glance.
“It just has my heart,” she said. “I’ve just always loved the building.”
For more information on the open house call 606-564-4251.
Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
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