At 7:35 pm March 3rd, there’s a line of traffic making their way into Carolina Crossroads. The parking lot is filling up and patrons are making their way toward the Roanoke Rapids Theatre. Folks are excited to see old friends and fellowship a bit as the lobby begins to clear and the theater fills.
It’s a good crowd, about 850 fans looking forward to seeing the Patsy Cline Tribute Show. The Country Music Opera Band starts the show with some old time favorites and original music. Later Deb Kiger performs Patsy Cline’s most memorable songs. All in all and by most accounts everyone enjoyed the show and had a very pleasant time at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.
Thus far there have been four shows at the theatre since the city has gotten it back in their control. The City of Roanoke Rapids Recreation Department with John Simeon at the lead along with Lori Medlin with The Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Allen Purser of the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, have been successful at working with the two main promoters whom are seeking to provide entertainment at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.
Brencore Entertainment thus far has staged the Tribute to Luther Vandross and has at least three more shows already booked for the theatre. A tribute to the Music of Motown, a Whitney Houston Tribute and a James Brown Tribute are already in the making.
Hilton Concerts has been behind the shows with the Tar River Swing Band last Christmas and the Patsy Cline Tribute. They have the Illusions to the King show which is a tribute to the music of Elvis and III Time Out, a popular Blue Grass band.
These promoters are working diligently to give life to the theater. They are pouring their heart and souls into these shows, as a result, they are giving people an opportunity to enjoy good entertainment and creating a reason for people to travel here and spend money in our local economy.
While the theatre was never built to be solely supported from the immediately surrounding area, it’s going to take the local support to get the momentum to see it to success.
So, I would encourage everyone to buy tickets and go see the shows and enjoy themselves. Each time you support the shows, it gives the promoters the ability to bring in more shows and it makes the theatre a little more successful. And when that happens, it will make it a bit easier for all in the RR.
Here’s a list of upcoming shows…Enjoy!
Sat Mar 24 @ 3:00PM
Sat. May 5 @ 8:00PM
Sat. May 12 @ 8:00PM
James Brown Tribute
June, date not set
Andy Whitby is administrator of atthemic.com and writes from Weldon