FeedsFinal curtain?
Fundraisers set to save historic Wayne Theater
The volunteers hoping to restore the Historic Wayne Theater have faced deadlines before, but this one is set in stone.
The group has until Sept. 19 to generate the funds to repair the building on Michigan Avenue, west of Wayne Road or they will have to turn it over to the city, according to Don Nicholson, capital fundraising chairman for the restoration project.
“We’re trying to get people stirred up and let them know this is our last-ditch effort,” he said.
Nicholson is setting up a series of fundraisers throughout the summer in the form of a concert series entitled: Beat the Bulldozers. The concerts start up in May, with a different one scheduled every Saturday.
Those that want to help out can get involved sooner than that, though.
Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall Theater in downtown Northville is hosting a fundraiser dinner on April 29.
For $100, attendees will get a full seven-course Italian dinner followed by a show at the theater.
“It’s going to e a great night,” Nicholson said. Beer and wine will be included with the meal and a number of area dignitaries will be in attendance to support the renovation effort.
The theater opened on Aug. 27, 1927 and served a variety of uses until 1985, when a fire consumed the converted stores at the front of the theater. It’s been vacant since then, hosting only occasional fundraisers and events.
Nicholson said he and the other volunteers trying to restore the theater face a tall challenge. He estimated it will take about $3.2 million to repair and restore the theater and about $5 million total to make his vision for it come true. That vision includes a 750-seat theater that would host a variety of events, concerts and film festivals, as well as a new development where the old stores once stood that would house a new restaurant, offices and rooms for rehearsals, music and art lessons and more.
After the April 29 event at Genitti’s the concert series opens on May 5 with the Livonia Civic Chorus. Nicholson said he’s trying to find three different acts to perform every Saturday. Most acts are local, with headliners including Arlen Viecelli.
“You’ll probably recognize a lot of the bands he’s either sung with or opened for,” said Nicholson of the Livonia native who once toured with Canned Heat.
Plans for a Karaoke Gong and a charity car show to take place during the Wayne Wheelfest are also in the works.
“We’re trying to do something for everyone here,” Nicholson said.
Last year, Nicholson and the theater preservation board signed an agreement with the City of Wayne to either have funding in place—or at least commitments for funding in place—or they would turn over the property to the city.
“A lot of the local people here some this going on for 20 years and they’re not quite satisfied this is going to happen,” he said. “We need to get the word out that this is the last chance.”
For tickets to the April fundrasier, call Nicholson at (734) 658-5296 or email him at don@donnicholson.net.
