NJ Theaters Join To Rebuild 86-Year Old Grand Theater

After eighty-six years, the Grand Theater - home of The Road Company since 1976 - literally fell silent on May 14, 2010 when its roof collapsed, destroying the entire venue. This was a devastating tragedy for theater-goers throughout the Delaware Valley and, in particular, hit Southern New Jersey with significant impact - the "home" that many actors, actresses, volunteers, and audiences once held close to their hearts, was gone. After evaluating the damage, it was discovered that approximately $250,000 would be needed, beyond the amount covered by insurance, to rebuild the Grand Theater, founded in 1924. Despite this daunting figure the ever-resilient Road Company family was determined to rebuild the theater and in doing so established the "Make It Grand Again Campaign" fund. Lauri Hudson, The Road Company's president reports, "We have had to get up to speed quickly in dealing with banks, insurance companies and contractors, and feel very fortunate to have received great advice from some top-notch people in the professional theater community. It has been trying for us, but we feel the right team's on board to see this project through in bringing back the Grand Theater in a 'Grand' way. We're overwhelmed with the support from other theaters in the area and are genuinely thankful."

As word of rebuilding the historic theater spread through the South Jersey theater community, many came forward inquiring as to how they could help. This resulted in five theaters joining forces to produce "The Grand Cabaret," all proceeds from which will benefit the Campaign. The board and staff of the newly renovated Eagle Theatre in Hammonton have graciously donated their space for this cabaret-style show filled with singing, dancing and laughter, featuring performances by members of the Haddonfield Plays and Players of Haddonfield, The Road Company of Williamston, Sketch Club Players of Woodbury, and 2nd & Vine Players of Hammonton. "When the Grand collapsed, I was absolutely amazed at how many local theater groups stepped forward to offer their support and sympathy and share their memories of performing in our theater. This coming together for "The Grand Cabaret" proves to me that the love for live theater is still alive and well. It redefines 'community theater' for me." stated board member Paula Farrar. "The Grand Cabaret" will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 8pm; Friday, December 10, 2010 at 8pm; and Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 8pm in the Eagle Theatre, 208 Vine Street, Hammonton, New Jersey. Tickets are $15 for Thursday and $25 for Friday and Saturday and can be purchased at 856-728-2120 or www.roadcompany.com. All proceeds will go towards the "Make It Grand Again Campaign" fund. Donations in any amount are also greatly appreciated.

The show, produced by Paula Farrar and John Blackwell, and emceed by Roy A. Wilbur, will include a variety of musical styles from such beloved shows as Cats, Cabaret, Funny Girl, Man of La Mancha, Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll & Hyde, Dreamgirls, Rent, Sweeney Todd, White Christmas and more. More than twenty-five performers along with children from The Road Theater's Summer Camp are volunteering their talents, including Ian Kimble, Preston Brooks, Donna Marie Pizzo, Tyrone F, Beth Lynn Samuel, John Guire, Karen Roorda, Melissa Silver, Greg Murphy, Tara Romanelli, Mike Doheny, Carlos Barrera, Ed Ippolito, George Stott, Danielle Harley, Khalif Lambert, Dave McConney, Lani Campagno, and Danielle DiPillo, Jennie Knackstedt, Sean Casey and many others.

HISTORY OF THE GRAND THEATER
Built in 1924, The Grand Theater at 405 Main Street in Williamstown, New Jersey, has been the site of vaudeville shows, silent movies, feature films, and now the home of The Road Company. Owned and operated by the Lanzalotti Family until the late eighties, the theater was purchased by local electrician Don Tucker who spent much of his youth congregating with pals in The Grand. Actually there was even a family connection - his great aunt played the organ back in the days of the silent film and, later, his father ran the projector! Those were the days when you could see a show and then walk right across Main Street with your date for a soda at the Fountain and Drug Store. It's a very different picture today with the modern multiplexes housing as many as 16 big screens, refreshment stands and coffee franchises. So much had changed over the decades. After the Lanzalotti family closed the theater it remained empty for close to a decade until purchased by the Tuckers. Unfortunately during that time, vandalism and several break-ins resulted in significant interior damage. Curtains were dry-rotted, theater seats were broken and birds and other small creatures now called it home. It was even rumored to have some more "spirit - like" guests.

Wanting to save a part of his childhood and its associated memories, Don Tucker and his wife Karen, purchased the theater for the sum of $90,000. Determined to revive its earlier glory they invested almost $250,000 in cleaning and renovations. Two years later, Julie Speeney, founder of The Road Company, walked into the theater and fell in love. This was the perfect spot for her community theater group founded in 1976, to present quality family entertainment to the residents of Monroe Township and surrounding areas. Not only did this theater have a cozy, intimate atmosphere, it had a history! Old movie posters showing silent film stars hung on the walls, the concession area walls and ceiling were made of patterned tin, and the walls in the theater proper were cloth! There are few comparable structures in existence today - and they are very difficult to maintain. Yet these old theaters add so much to a picturesque downtown area. Williamstown was so fortunate to have The Grand. This was built in the age when live theater was one of the few entertainments available to the population at large. And now, Julie had discovered the perfect place in which to bring that same live entertainment back to the people of the town. The first show presented by The Road Company was "1776" in July of 1989. In the following decade both musicals and dramas brought in audiences from all over New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The Tuckers sold the theater to a religious organization in 1999. Shortly thereafter The Road Company left the theater to perform in the Williamstown Middle School for almost 4 years. Unfortunately the religious organization was unable to maintain the theater and soon The Grand Old Lady was vacant once again. However in 2004 the theater and several surrounding properties were purchased by an investor who not only enjoyed live theater but saw the potential of this wonderful facility to be a major part of the revitalization of downtown Willamstown. But, once again, having been silent and dark for two years, The Grand needed a facelift. The roof was replaced, air conditioning was installed and much needed painting and cleaning of the exterior was performed.

Even though the group lost Julie in 1999, The Road Company members were ever mindful of her dreams and goals and kept watch on The Grand. A series of discussions with the new owner resulted in an exclusive multi year lease for The Road Company and in September of 2004 we announced our homecoming with a Gala Social complete with community leaders, presentations, entertainment and the Mummers! In 2008 Julie's dream was realized when the group purchased the building on April 30, 2008. The monumental occasion was celebrated by the group, its season ticket holders, local business owners, town council, the mayor, and friends and family at a "Grand Affair" held on June 13, 2008. At this event the group had a ceremonial ribbon cutting and was presented with an award by the Mayor of Williamstown. The Road Company invites all of those who have seen and enjoyed productions in this lovely theater to become a part of the effort to maintain her in the 21st Century.

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