By PEYTON NEELY
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Peoples Bank Theatre had a successful first year of eclectic acts, and those beyond the stage are taking what they’ve learned since opening night to plan an even stronger 2017.
(Photo provided by Drew Tanner)
“We more than exceeded our forecast of revenue for the opening year,” said Hunt Brawley, executive director for the Peoples Bank Theatre. “We forecast well under $900,000 for the year and by the end of 2016, we should have over $1 million.”
The theater is still in debt as a nonprofit organization but not by much.
“The programs here have been very good,” said Brawley. “The nonprofit debt we still owe is standing at $590,000 but coming from a $7 million, I’d say that’s not too bad.”
The structure of the theater was originally called the Hippodrome beginning in 1919. During this time, off-Broadway shows and other theatrical acts entertained guests. There was also an orchestra in the pit below the stage that was at every show.
Thirty years after this, the Colony Cinema opened and operated until 1985. Three years later, Dan Stephen Jr. purchased the theater in hopes of opening it back up. Last January, it finally was after years of fundraising and renovations.
“I don’t think we realized how much work needed done,” said Brawley. “We kept it updated because Dan and I knew we held very fond memories there as a kid.”
In 2004, the theater became a nonprofit structure and the League of Historical American Theaters came in to determine what work needed done.
“Peoples Bank, a local bank, came in to assist us with half the funding,” said Brawley. “They were a great partner in helping us move forward.”
From there the connections grew and community involvement led to the opening this year.
Many musicians and famous performers headlined at the Peoples Bank Theatre in 2016.
These include Rick Michael, who has performed Frank Sinatra hits in Las Vegas since 1981, Cathie Ryan, an award-winning Irish singer, Ricky Skaggs, a critically acclaimed Bluegrass artist, and country legend Randy Travis.
Many movies are also shown and there were several sold-out events the first half of the year including country star Travis Tritt, Saturday Night Fever, Cirque-tacular, comedian Paula Poundstone and Grammy-winning artist Kathy Mattea.
Comedians from Stephen Wright to Gallagher also performed this year.
The Capitol Steps took the stage in October. They have recorded more than 35 albums and have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS talking all spectrums of politics.
“Having someone of The Capitol Steps’ capacity at our theater was a really neat experience,” said Brawley. “Nothing compares to the opening weekend seeing the people fill the theater after it’s been closed for so long. It’s overwhelming the amount of support we have.”
The theater, which also serves as a cinema, has had significant highlights in 2016 and predicts only better things in the next year to come.
“We want to have more events that pertain to the younger generation in 2017,” said Tanner. “We will hold the 11th annual Colony Short Film Festival in March, showcasing filmmakers from all over the world, so that should be exciting. This event is usually only two days but we’ve expanded it to a three-day event on the calendar.”
That’s only the start. Several events have already been put on the calendar for 2017, including a big one year celebration for the anniversary of the theater the weekend of Jan. 14 with the feature of the Hit Men, which are legendary performers who partnered with musical legends like Frankie Valli, Carole King and more.
The theater has partnered with Marietta Main Street, Marietta-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau and ClutchMOV in efforts to publicize events going on there more.
“In 2017, we want to continue to deepen relationships we have with Marietta College and the Marietta City Schools,” said Tanner. “I also foresee the recitals we have here with local dance organizations to grow and develop.”
For a complete list of events, visit peoplesbanktheatre.com.
“None of us expected the theater to be this successful but it only can continue to grow from here,” Tanner said.
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