As a former volunteer at The Senator Theatre in Baltimore, an art deco theatre also built in 1939 and one who's future is also always in flux, I felt a big of a pang for The Milton, even though I've never been there. I understand how those who love The Milton must feel not knowing what is going to happen.
The Senator was auctioned off in 2009 and the winning bidder was Baltimore City. They were also the only bidder. Some say that the auction was rigged in favor of the city who had always intended to hand it over to the current owners, but others claim that the chips fell where they fell. At any rate, the current owners have been remodeling The Senator for over a year now and the theatre has been closed since March of 2012. Some think it will never reopen. A news report yesterday said that the theatre will reopen in May of this year, but given that Baltimore must have some of the worst reporting of any city, only time will tell if The Senator will reopen or not.
Back to The Milton, it appears as it will also face ups and downs as it transitions forward. From pictures that I've seen, it looks like a great old theatre. It's a shame to see it face an uncertain future. I wish those who love the theatre the best of luck. My heart, and the hearts of all Old Theatre Nuts, are certainly with them as they move forward into uncertain times.
If anyone has any pictures or stories they'd like to share on The Milton, please comment below.
Auditorium:
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| Photo Credit: http://www.aboutmybeaches.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/100_0666-300x225.jpg |
Facade:
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| Photo Credit: http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/media/Common/0/6C/27741/t600-DSCF0209z.jpg |
The current news on The Milton Theatre is best expressed on their wepage. I have copied their page posting and attached it below. Here is the link, if you'd like to visit their page directly: http://www.miltontheatre.org/
Update on the Status of the
Milton Theatre
February 28, 2013
We have some news we want to share with you as
one of our valued supporters. The Milton Theatre Board has been advised by DCIC,
the financial institution that owns the theatre building, that they have sold
the Milton Theatre building. DCIC has a contract with a cash buyer.
Understandably, we are very disappointed as we
expect you will be as well. We do not know what the buyer intends to do with the
property, and we don't know if we have the opportunity for any further
involvement with the theatre.
Right now, we are going to focus on determining what the situation is and what our prospects may be. If it becomes clear that we will not be buying the building, all donors will be contacted and donations specified for the purpose of purchasing the building will be returned at the earliest possible date.
In the meantime, we have some special events planned for you and our public over the next few months, and we are committed to them.
The first is a Milton Theatre Presents ... dinner theatre with the Possum Point Players' Ad Hoc Touring Company's performance of the radio comedy classic "Our Miss Brooks." The performance will include a set of classic, comedy skits. The dinner theatre will be at the Bayleaf Restaurant in Milton on Saturday, March 9th. More information will follow. You can expect this event to include an informal and sincere discussion of whatever the breaking news happens to be on the 9th. Please call (302) 684-3400 for further information and/or reservations.
We'll have an announcement out about all of the other events in the next few days. Highlights are in the left column.
Right now, we are going to focus on determining what the situation is and what our prospects may be. If it becomes clear that we will not be buying the building, all donors will be contacted and donations specified for the purpose of purchasing the building will be returned at the earliest possible date.
In the meantime, we have some special events planned for you and our public over the next few months, and we are committed to them.
The first is a Milton Theatre Presents ... dinner theatre with the Possum Point Players' Ad Hoc Touring Company's performance of the radio comedy classic "Our Miss Brooks." The performance will include a set of classic, comedy skits. The dinner theatre will be at the Bayleaf Restaurant in Milton on Saturday, March 9th. More information will follow. You can expect this event to include an informal and sincere discussion of whatever the breaking news happens to be on the 9th. Please call (302) 684-3400 for further information and/or reservations.
We'll have an announcement out about all of the other events in the next few days. Highlights are in the left column.
QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? IDEAS?
We are very open to your ideas and hope that you
will share them with us. We also want to respond to your questions and
concerns.
Please contact us by phone at (302) 684-3400.
Leave a message and we'll get back to you asap. Or email us at MDC110@Verizon.net.
CONTACTING US
- Email us at MDC110@Verizon.net
- Give us a call, leave a message, and we'll call you back as soon as we can. (302) 684-3400
- Send a note (or check) to our office:
Milton Theatre
110 Union Street
Milton, DE 19968
110 Union Street
Milton, DE 19968
Not another Theatre closing it's doors. So sad that young people are not going to get the chance to experience a moving going experience in anything other than a multiplex.
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