Bree Capel
bic001@marietta.edu
Friday the Hippodrome/Colony Theatre Association opened their doors for a preview of their $7.5 million Colony Theatre restoration.
The association’s director of development, Hunt Brawley, offered insight on the restoration’s current and projected state.
“One of the primary reasons for us doing this is that we think it can attract performers that you would normally have to drive to Columbus, Charleston or Cleveland to see,” Brawley said.
Brawley added that while a similar project would normally cost an estimated $30 million, the Colony Theatre’s was significantly more affordable because the structure of the building was still in good condition.
Concerning the variety and caliber of performers expected to entertain at the theatre, Brawley explained that he foresaw the Colony drawing in such acts as Bill Engvall, Gold Dragon Acrobats and major country music stars from Nashville.
In terms of what the Colony’s restoration means to campus, Brawley mentioned plans to work with Marietta College’s choral, music and theatre departments at the completion of the theatre. Furthermore, he expressed hope that the renovation would attract more student activity to town.
Students also shared their thoughts.
“The arts are a big thing for me, so having even more options for shows would be fantastic,” junior Haley Bibbee said. The music and political science double major added that she would like to see Peter Hollens and other “big name small singers” at the theatre.
Junior petroleum engineer major and pianist Peter Lundstrom had a slightly different outlook.
“I think it could be a nice opportunity,” he said. “I’m not sure that I’d go to the theater myself though.”
For a historic view of the Colony Theatre:
For a virtual look into the theatre’s future:
http://www.colonytheatre.com/media/tours
