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FOTOT
FOTOT commented about Ohio Theatre on May 15, 2017 at 2:14 am

Please change the status of this theatre to open. The theatre was aquired by the non-profit, Friends of the Ohio Theatre, Inc. Here is the press release from 3/2/16: “The Ohio Theatre has been acquired by Friends of The Ohio Theatre, a group of enthusiastic local volunteers dedicated to preserving and restoring Madison’s cinematic heritage. The Friends of The Ohio Theatre have applied for non-profit status and are awaiting approval.

According to Board President Elizabeth Auxier, the theatre will close for a few weeks to allow for assessment of the building, as well as cleaning of the interior. “We hope to be able to re-open for two to three months to raise enough money to sustain the building and pay monthly utilities and expenses. After that, we will close for a major fundraising campaign to completely renovate The Ohio Theatre.”

She joked, “Of course, if people want to donate a bunch of money to us right now, we can begin renovations, immediately.”

Board Member Elijah Chandler is very excited about the acquisition. “Like so many of my friends and colleagues in the community, I grew up in The Ohio Theater. I’ve seen hundreds of films in the main auditorium throughout my life and The Ohio has been there for some major milestones. I took my first date there, saw a 3D movie for the first time there and, most importantly, it’s where I saw Star Wars on the big screen for the first time. I want to make sure that my daughter and her friends get to have the same experiences.”

Blythe Couch, another board member, also looks forward to this project. “I am so happy to be a part of Friends of The Ohio Theater. As a lifelong Madisonian, I love everything that downtown has to offer, and spend a lot of time enjoying the riverfront, restaurants and shops in this beautiful area. Some of my best and earliest memories of going to the theatre were at The Ohio. I am thrilled to be involved with this new adventure and can’t wait to see what amazing things the future holds for this historic landmark.”

Significant details pertaining to the renovation are not available at this time because the organization needs to conduct a feasibility study and restoration plan. Vice-President Charles Requet said, “We will know more about the future once we obtain the plans and have defined strategies to ensure success.”

Additional information will be shared with the community as it becomes available. Learn more during the coming weeks and months by liking the Friends of The Ohio Theatre Facebook page."

The Facebook page name has been changed to Ohio Theatre.

Thanks in advance.