Right now it doesn't look like much. The old Roberts Lost Picture Show on Bloomfield Ave., now home to 12 Miles West, has leaks in the roof, which has led to peeling paint throughout the house. There are blue plastic tarps, ladders, buckets, messes of all kinds. The heating and air-conditioning system needs a complete rehaul. On the new plywood floor laid down as the stage in the movie theater's old balcony, a popcorn bucket from movie house days catches rain.

And money is a problem too. 12 Miles West is now launching a $1 million capital campaign, and Bart is hoping that some generous roofer with artistic leanings might step forth and offer to fix the roof for free. But as artistic director points out various areas on a foam board model of the theater, his vision for it comes through. By the end of this month, he says, the balcony will be usable as the company's temporary main stage. Planned for the fall, performances by the Pushcart Players, Troupe of Vagabonds and the company's own performance of a radio play, "Merry Christmas, George Bailey," an adaptation of the Frank Capra classic, "It's a Wonderful Life."

The big event, planned for the first weekend in January, is "Tea for Three: Ladybird, Pat and Betty," by Eric Weinberger and starring Emmy-award winning Montclair actress Elaine Bromka.

Bart is psyched about the move to Bloomfield, "a community that is appreciative and welcoming to us," (they've already received a $34,000 block grant from the township), and in return, they're holding two open houses to allow the community to look around. This weekend -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- 12 Miles West will have an open house for its theater classes, inclulding free mini-workshops for kids. And on Sat. Oct. 30, there'll be a big open house for the whole neighborhood.

Holding the 12 Miles West sign, general manager Robert Carr.

September 16, 2004 in Brand New, Footlights | Permalink