Small Town News

Milton Theatre needs Cape Region support

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Cars crowded both sides of Federal Street in Milton last Saturday night, the sun setting through cool September air. People walked on the sidewalks of the town's main street, along the upper reaches of the Broadkill, and converged at the doors beneath the bright lights of the Milton Theatre marquee. The activity sent friendly electricity through the air. The theatre drew like a magnet.

Inside there was an equally cool scene. People rested their arms on comfortable easy chairs just inside the front doors of the stage side of the building, talking with friends, waiting for the dimming of the house lights to beckon them to their seats, anticipating the live music of jazz singer Sue Matthews and the tight trio that often accompanies her.

Over the past several years, the Milton Development Corporation has mimicked some of the magic that has shown up on the screen and stage in the Milton Theatre. The crumbling building has been stabilized, its electrical and roofing systems refurbished, comfortable theatre seats anchored to its sloping concrete floor, new restrooms installed, professional lighting and sound systems added. In short, the Milton community through its development corporation has created a magical venue that has become a strong heartbeat in the center of town. Matching that is the enthusiastic energy of dozens of volunteers who keep an impressive parade of live music, live theatre, poetry readings, films and other events marching through the venue. The culture that the Milton Theatre brings spreads throughout the town and well into surrounding communities.

That kind of commitment, vision, dedication and accomplishment deserves support and encouragement. The nation's economic meltdown, which struck our region with sharp edges, sliced through the Milton Theatre's efforts with particularly sinister timing. Now the theatre's board is struggling to forestall a scheduled sheriffs sale next week A strong effort is under way to convince the lender that all is not lost for the community's theatre, to show that the community is rallying behind it.

Times are tight, but those who care about culture in the Cape Region can help guarantee the future of a unique and viable venue by pledging support to the Milton Theatre.





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