MANSFIELD, Ohio — “Theaters in America are like palaces,” said Colleen Cook, Development Director for the Renaissance Theatre. Their opulence is America’s equivalent to a European palace, and Tuesday that opulence will be the scene for the #RenSeason Season Preview Party.
On a recent tour, Cook, President/CEO Mike Miller and Board President Rand Smith talked about the theater’s history, the behind-the-scenes details, and the future.
The three are part of the Renaissance team that is devoted to revitalizing the beloved Renaissance Theatre.
When the Ohio Theater in downtown Mansfield first opened on January 18, 1928, no one could have predicted its unfortunate future. Ticket sales declined in the 50s, paint and plaster decayed in the 60s. To keep it afloat, the owners showed X-rated films, until finally, the theater shut down in 1979. But just one year later, its restoration began.
The beloved theater became the Renaissance Theatre. And preservation continues thanks to many volunteers and the historical perspective of architect Dan Seckel.
The revitalization efforts all began in 1980, said Smith, when Warren Rupp purchased the theater. “He had the vision for this place that has endured,” he said.
According to Smith, Rupp spent roughly $2.2 million to renovate the theater. He had chairs replaced, lighting, improved the sound equipment, built a skywalk bridge connecting the theater to the Holiday Inn and purchased a Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ from Joseph Kearns.
“The organ cost about $250,000,” said Miller. “Just to transport it in the nineteen-eighties cost around $9,000.”
Miller said that it took years for the theater renovators to find the organ. “This organ is famous; everyone wants to play it. Organists come from all over just to play it.”
The organ is just one of the appealing features. Though many artifacts were sold when the theater closed, the chandelier remains; it was too big and heavy to remove.
“The chandelier is cut crystal. It was made in Austria in 1925 and it’s stayed in the theater since it was first built. It weighs 3,000 pounds, is 10 feet high and has 106 bulbs. We clean it once a year,” said Smith.
“It takes several weeks to clean it,” added Cook.
The iconic chandelier hangs from the theater’s ceiling and when children from local schools come and see it for the first time, Smith said the teachers have a hard time keeping them moving to their seats. They’re awed by the sight.
“One day it hit me. These kids have never seen a room like this before. When they walk in for the first time, they’re literally locked in place. They’re amazed by everything, especially the chandelier,” he said.
Smith said the theater currently hosts 12 education programs with 86 events for children throughout the year.
The Renaissance Theatre was originally built to replicate Grand baroque architecture, said Smith. As part of the vision to maintain and restore its original look, he said foundation funding will be allocated beginning this autumn to restore the eroding plaster.
As Smith opened his arm in theatrical display facing an imaginary crowd from the stage, he said, “It will look like this, just better.”
Physical maintenance is only part of the plan, however. The new board and staff at the Renaissance have implemented a new business plan that will allow them to invite live performers, show old films like Wizard of Oz and be an epicenter for community activities.
The second floor of the newly renovated lobby is hosting an Element of Art showcase exhibit. They also rent out rooms for conferences.
“The idea is to bring back the theater to being one of the community’s center for bringing people together,” said Smith.
The Renaissance Theatre will have its Season Preview party on Tuesday, May 19. The free event will announce shows for the theater’s new season, and there will be live entertainment, food, beverages and chances to win prizes. Though the event is free, tickets are required.
For more information, visit their website or call 419-522-2726.
