Disco Ball and Bösendorfer piano: Look at the unique features inside Portland’s historic Temple Theatre
PORTLAND, Tenn. (WKRN) — Just off Main Street in Portland, the lights of the Temple Theatre shine bright once again — all thanks to the efforts of some lifelong residents who stepped in to help.
The theatre, which was one of several theatres across the country named after child actress Shirley Temple, was reconstructed in 1937 following a fire. In 1956, it closed during the rise of color television and went on to house a variety of businesses including a livery stable, newspaper office and furniture store.
It wasn’t until 2012, when the property went up for sale, that the Portland Preservation Foundation brought it back to its roots — a place for the community to gather and enjoy entertainment.
“It’s the heartbeat. It should be the heart of your town or your community,” said Billy Geminden, board chairman for the Portland Preservation Foundation.
Although the nonprofit never intended to own a theatre, its members decided to reimagine the 8,000-square-foot property in 2012, marking the start of a decade-long project. They rebuilt every inch from the auditorium to the banquet room, theatre lobby and green rooms.
“We thought it would take a couple years and maybe $500,000. I think we were eight years and maybe a $1 million off,” Geminden said.
In 2023, the theatre reopened and now features monthly performances from a variety of artists including classical violinists, gospel singers and tribute bands.
The auditorium has many unique elements, including crown moldings handmade by some of the board members to a circle of the theatre’s original floorboards on the stage. The room’s acoustics are specially designed with walls that are bowed out four inches to deflect sound in every direction. Plus, a spotlight shines on a dazzling disco ball that illuminates the entire space.
A piano expert on the board helped acquire a donated Bösendorfer, a prestigious piano from an Austrian manufacturer. He said artists come from all over just to get the chance to play it, and complete with an extra set of black keys, it could fill a concert hall that seats two to three thousand people.
“We have been told by several artists that have been in every theatre in the nation that we are the only ones who have a Bösendorfer piano and a disco ball,” Geminden said with a laugh.
The piano is one of countless donations — of funds, and of time — that have helped the theatre get to where it is today.
The Temple Theatre is now operated by board members and volunteers who organize shows, run concessions, provide meals for entertainers and clean. They urge the community to attend shows and get involved and hope to someday hire a staff to operate the theatre.
The space is used for local events like school visits, church services and Rotary Club meetings. Plus, the banquet room can be rented out for birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, graduation parties, and more.
“We all feel like God had a big hand in this -- that he means for this to be here,” Geminden said.
To purchase tickets and view upcoming shows at the Temple Theatre, click here.
from WKRN News 2 https://ift.tt/T64nV7u
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