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n 1946, what is now Oriental’s Old Theater was the brand new Mart Theater. Back then it was a movie house and operated as less than two decades before shutting down.

The cinderblock building stayed dark for a few decades until the early 1990’s. That’s when the formation of the Old Theater Corporation led to the revival we see today – a venue for community theater productions, concerts in a range of musical genres and, harkening back to the building’s origins, a place to see a movie.

An animated Hugh Midyette told stories for the ear, and the eye.

On May 13 and 14, musicians and storytellers took to the stage to help celebrate the Old Theater turning 70. The production, called Music & Memories featured 6 local bands.

Some scenes from Saturday’‘s show:

The Moore’s Creek Band played high-energy bluegrass.

Saltwater Acoustic.

Chris Daniels of Saltwater Acoustic. He had organized the musicians for the show.

The Del Rios – Jennifer and Patrick.

Ken Belangia whose earliest performances were at another Oriental landmark, the front porch of the ‘Ol Store,” owned by his in-laws, the late Billy and Lucille Truitt..

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An outdoor green room. Paul Sykes of Harborsounds during intermission on the Church Street side of the theater.

Jim Ragan spoke of the movies and movie house as a big part of his Oriental childhood.

Harborsounds – Dixie and Asa Gatlin, Dick Osmun, Paul Sykes.

Paul Sykes and Dick Osmun – half of Harborsounds.

Ed Terry and the Opry Band from Grantsboro.

Posted Tuesday May 17, 2016 by Melinda Penkava