What's going on at the Roxy?
That's a question being asked all over Morton.
The answer can be found on posters displayed at any number of Morton businesses.
In 1986, the Fire Mountain Arts Council began presenting community-based musicals in the Morton High School gymnasium under the auspices of Centralia College.
Fire Mountain Arts Council board members believed the Roxy would provide a much-needed performing arts venue in what was described as "our culturally under-served region."
The group, organized formally in January 2003 as a nonprofit corporation, purchased the theater in December of that year. Now, members are trying to find ways to renovate the old theater and breathe new life into it.
The Roxy, a 1925 movie house, vacant since 1980 but structurally sound, is something of an eyesore in downtown Morton.
The Roxy will be used, said Fred Schwindt, president of the Fire Mountain Arts Council, as a community theater for multiple uses, such as for school plays, movies, summer stock and musical concerts.
Before that can happen, however, the master plan, designed by architect Gene Grulich, calls for three rather costly stages of remodeling.
Stage I will be awning, painting, restrooms, sprinkler system, interior walls and ceiling, roof, back door, sound system, movie screen, remodeled lobby and gallery, and sign. Anticipated cost: $276,500.
Stage II will include work on dressing rooms, work space and lighting system, and Stage III includes expansion of the building behind and above the stage, and the heating and air conditioning system. Anticipated cost for both Stage II and III: $220,000.
Some of this work could be completed for as much as 80 percent less if done by volunteers, such as the ones who are already cleaning and removing old interior walls and the ceiling, and fixing the old plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
People interested in volunteering their skills and time may telephone Pam Peterson at 496-6630. Those interested in donating money may do so at The Bean Tree, where they may request a donor card for their tax-deductible contribution.
For information about Fire Mountain Arts Council meetings, held the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Centralia College East, telephone Schwindt at 496-5599.
Schwindt, excited about the prospect of a community arts center, said he's heard rumors around Morton that the Roxy is in such bad repair that it would be cheaper to tear it down.
"That's just not so," he said.
" A sound engineer (there to inspect the theater) said it's a wonderful thing to have here," he added. "It is a diamond in the rough, and other theaters like it have been torn down."
"I don't see any reason for it to be a dark house," said Schwindt.
To find the money necessary to renovate the theater, Fire Mountain Arts Council board members are busy researching foundation and government grants, and writing letters of inquiry.
They're seeking matching grants from big companies, but in order to qualify for those grants, they must demonstrate that the community is willing to support the project.
To that end, they're sponsoring a March 27 Roxy renovation fund-raiser beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The Bean Tree in Morton, a coffee and art shop.
During the fund-raiser, the Joe Juba Trio, a group new to the jazz scene, will perform. The group features Bill Compher on guitar and vocals, Val Rotter on vocals, and Tom Touse on trumpet and vocals.
Small groups will also be invited that evening to tour the Roxy, guided by board members of the Fire Mountain Arts Council.
The evening will include organic wines, selected by Schwindt, and served with complimentary hors d'oeuvres by Gretchen Jones. The Bean Tree will also serve its espresso drinks and desserts.
Wines will sell for $5 a glass and $18 a bottle. While there is no charge to attend the event, donations are being sought. All proceeds will go into the Roxy renovation.
"The fund-raiser will help us get matching grants, and is a way to celebrate the community's purchase of the Roxy."
Pat Jones covers arts and entertainment and lifestyle stories for The Chronicle. She may be reached by e-mail at pjones@chronline.com, or by telephoning 807-8226.
