Significant find gives boost to campaign

By Jason Niblett, newseditor@laurelleadercall.com

July 21, 2008 10:19 am

— Editor’s note: The following is part two of a series featuring the importance of the Arabian Theatre as part of Laurel’s history. The first article, published Monday, July 14, features some of the theatre’s storied background and plans for upgrades.

So far, the campaign has been extremely successful. They’ve received enough donations to replace carpet, flooring, and other much-needed items. But, after beginning their quest to find the true hidden beauty of the Arabian Theatre, Laurel Little Theatre members say they need another boost from the community.
Work is well underway at the historic building in downtown Laurel. Most of that work is being done by board members and other Laurel Little Theatre volunteers. Last week, during one of the group’s work meetings, a significant find removes any doubt to the Arabian’s original style and colors. That find happened as George Jackson, Robbie Robinson, Brent Holifield, and other volunteers worked to remove decades-old layers of soundproofing from the balcony’s walls. Underneath the layers of wire, horsehair, and cotton they found original paintings on the wall.
“I almost jumped off the ladder I was so excited,” Jackson said. “I was extremely excited. We just knew it was there.”
“There appeared to be some kind of detail,” Robinson said as the group just started their search. Then, after finding it the first time, “Oh my gosh! It’s beautiful. It’s just unreal.”
Robinson said he has no doubts the theatre is meant to be in the Egyptian Revival style. Robinson is working with the group to help restore the Arabian to how it really looked in 1927.
“I’m trying as hard as I can to make it historically accurate,” he said.
That project has led him to talking with people who remember the theatre, looking at photos, and plenty of research.
“I look at this theatre, look at this jewel. We have got to get this theatre back for the people of Laurel,” Robinson said.
The Standing Room Only campaign was the brainstorm of the Laurel Little Theatre to help get the Arabian back to glory for Laurel. Robinson said dozens of people and businesses have helped.
“We’ve had fabulous — wonderful — support from the community,” he said.
But, there’s much more work to be done.
“We need money,” Jackson said. The original campaign, he said, was to replace the seats, possibly paint, and to tackle the flooring. People in the community responded, and expanded on their plans.
“The community was kind and generous,” Jackson said. “We expanded the campaign because some of the contributions we got were designated to the Arabian sign.”
The contributions were towards the sign, but not enough to complete the sign, so that is now included in the budget. The same goes for the courtyard out front, including an arch to connect the Arabian with Pinehurst Park.
“That expanded the budget a bit,” he said.
Initial numbers ran a total of $85,000 needed. Now the budget is more like $125,000. Jackson said they have already received about $100,000 of their goal.
Jackson said the Laurel Little Theatre’s operating budget will also go towards some improvements, including a new communications system for the volunteer staff.
“We have to communicate all the time,” Jackson said. “It’s a real theatre communication system. Patrons may not see a benefit other than the smoother operation of plays.”
“We’re close and we’re confident,” Jackson said.
The group is shooting for opening week of its next season to be the second week of November, but money is needed soon to get the projects completed.
Donations, which are tax deductible, can be made by calling Jackson at (601) 671-3211 or by visiting www.laurellittletheatre.com.

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