Sept. 14, 2006
 
Keith Albee Needs Many Good Men, Women for Work Sessions; No Tickets Needed
 
By Tony Rutherford
Huntington News Network Writer
photos by Mike Holbrook
 
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- Usually going to the theatre means a stop at the box office for purchase or a ticket, a trip to the concession stand, and viewing a film or live show. For at least two Saturday weekend events at Huntington’s Keith Albee, admission was free and early rising was required.
 
The Keith Albee Performing Arts Center will soon host the “We Are Marshall” world premiere (Dec. 12), Marshall Artists Series shows, and the International Film Festival. In fact, a new refurbished projection system has just been acquired.
 


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But, the theatre still has the two smaller auditoriums in place. In the 1970s. in order to keep the doors open, Greater Huntington Theatre Corp. turned the theatre into a multi-plex. In fact, they added a fourth small auditorium to former retail space on the front. At the time of the conversion, Huntington residents wailed that the architectural gem would be forever ruined. Not so. The Hyman family whose ancestors built the movie palace in 1928 modified the large auditorium in such away that “someday” it could be restored as one.
 
The day has arrived. After the theatre ceased first-run film showings, a decision was made that the structure could be adopted for use as a performing arts center.
 
Now, David Tyson and Robert Plymale, co-presidents of Keith Albee Performing Arts Center Inc., need people able to work helping in the removal of the partition walls of the mini-theatres.
 
“We need help,” Tyson said from his office on Wednesday afternoon. “We need people to carry out wood, wiring, and debris and load up the dumpster.” On Saturday September 9, about 20-30 volunteers worked about three hours removing a movie screen and sound equipment. Another work session is slated Saturday , Sept. 16 at 7:30 a.m.
 
Dismantling the mini-movie theatres will not just restore the Keith’s auditorium to the way it was prior to the 70s, but the seating capacity of the theatre will jump to between 2,500-3,000, making it the largest performing arts venue in West Virginia.
 
Before plans can be firmed for the “We Are Marshall” premiere, the university has to know how many seats will be available.
 
“We’re preoccupied with getting the walls down,” Tyson said, noting that the MAS International Film Series is scheduled at the theatre September 29- October 5. If the partitions are removed, the series will show the first films with the main auditorium once again intact.
 
During the formation of the new corporation the attorney has learned that despite all of the region’s differences of opinion, the Keith Albee has “united” the area. “Everyone loves the Keith Albee,” Tyson said.
 
Several non-Marshall Artists Series events have been booked at the theatre. In fact, Tyson beamed that someone asked, “Can I get married in the Keith Albee?” The answer: YES! In fact, the lobby and mezzanine are both available for cocktail parties or other ceremonies.
 
However, the co-president said a prioritized list of “physical improvements” will start in January 2007. “Sen. Plymale and I have been working feverishly” on obtaining monies for a prioritized list of needs. Tyson said an announcement would come in the next few weeks, but, until then, “we’re keeping our cards close to our chest.”
 
Tyson also lavished praise on the Hyman family for “taking care” of the Keith-Albee. “The theatre’s in good condition considering its age.” Stating that the community does not realize the extent of contributions made by Derek and his family, Tyson explained the “community owes the Hyman’s thanks” for keeping the Spanish Moorish gem “open in marginal times” and keeping the building in good shape.
 
Members of labor trade unions and Neighborgall Construction will be on hand Saturday morning to assist and supervise with the dismantling of the partitions. In addition, the theatre must be “cleaned and refurbished” prior to the World Premiere.
 
Tyson did not know how long the partition removal would take. “We’ll have a better idea after this Saturday.”
 
The neighboring Peanut Shoppe will be bringing coffee for the volunteers, Tyson said.
 
A master list will be compiled of volunteers working on the Keith Albee. And, by inference, the more cleared and open the main auditorium, the more people who will be able to jam the Albee when McG, McConaughey, Anthony Mackie, and other celebrities come for the Dec. 12 world premiere.