In 2012, the Board of Directors closed the iconic Theatre in the Square in downtown Marietta. Financial troubles at the theater had reached the point that they were forced to close in the middle of a critically acclaimed production of “Flyin’ West.” Even a $30,000 grant from Marietta City Council was not enough to keep the historic theater open. However, on Thursday, December 10, 2015, the theater will rise again with the presentation of “A Christmas Carol.”
New Leadership
Gary Michael Bruce and Raul Thomas are leading the charge to bring the theater back to life in downtown Marietta. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army during Vietnam, Bruce began a career as a sales representative for General Foods. He eventually became the National Sales Manager for Toner Brothers Spice Company in Des Moines, Iowa. He pioneered the development of remanufactured toner cartridges, founding Laser Cartridge Renewal, Inc. He is an accomplished choreographer and dance instructor. Thomas owns RT Hospitality Group and RFC Squad Atlanta, a production company. He is an award-winning culinary artist and has been working with the Theatre on the Square since July, staging different performances and bringing new audiences to the historic theater.
A Christmas Carol
The play, directed by Tony Smithey, is an adaption of the Dickens classic. Smithey, who wrote the version being presented at the Theatre on the Square, tried to align explore new characters while remaining true to the original story. In this version, Scrooge’s mother is a guardian angel and the audience learns more about Jacob Marley. The play includes music, dance and costume changes worth approximately $50,000. Costume designer, Jeff Kinard, created costumes that represent the Edwardian period as well as post-Civil War clothing. In addition to the holiday theme of the play, Santa will be in the lobby to visit with children to further promote the holiday spirit. The play opens December 10 and runs through December 27. Shows are Thursday through Sunday and tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 years old or younger. Saturday matinees are offered at 3 PM and tickets for those shows are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children.
Enthusiasm High
Enthusiasm is high for the theater and the organizers are working to get information out to the public that, although the theater has the same name and location, a new staff and mission are providing a modern feel. The decision was made to keep the name the same due to the history the theater had in Marietta. Many other shows are planned for the theater in addition to “A Christmas Carol.” From December 13 through 30, “Deep in the Heart of Tuna,” a comedy will be presented and, in January, “Cobb’s Got Talent” is planned to showcase the outstanding talent in Cobb County.
Waggoner Insurance is proud to be part of the Marietta community and pleased that the Theatre on the Square is, once again, presenting outstanding performances for residents in the area. Contact Waggoner Insurance for all your home, health, life and auto insurance needs.
Source:
Marietta Daily Journal