Mayor John Manchester and The Lewis Theatre are excited to announce the world premiere of Road Trip to History: Lewisburg on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. The half-hour documentary, created by Oak Tree Productions for PBS, is tentatively scheduled to be broadcast by WV Public Television on Thanksgiving evening. There is no admission charge, with donations welcome.
Producer Wayne Bronson filmed during multiple visits, including history, arts, business, beauty and the people who live here. “We don’t tell them what to say about their town and therefore many of the stories come right from the heart,” he explains. Narrators include Mayor Manchester, poet Sarah Elkins and radio personality Mike Kidd.
All donations from the event are going to “Help Project the Lewis Theatre into the Future.” The campaign is all or nothing, and runs out at 11:04 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. The project must raise $39,000 to supplement what the local owners have been able to set aside throughout the six years of operating the Lewis to replace the projector with a new digital one, required because the studios are discontinuing 35mm film. The upgrade expense is $60,000-$70,000. At Kickstarter.com, pledges start at just one dollar, and offers rewards for amounts of $25 and above. The Lewis, an anchor of historic downtown, is locally owned, family run and celebrates a 75th Diamond Anniversary next year.
On Friday, Nov. 1, a benefit concert performed by favorite bands Lawless Brown and Possum Holler Glee Club starts right after First Friday in downtown Lewisburg. Admission is sliding scale, from $10 to 30, or more. All proceeds from the event will also go to The Lewis Theatre project.
For more information on the events or how you can help contribute to the campaign call Larry or Devin at 304-645-3003 or Facebook.com/thelewistheatre.
