The End of This Blog

I would like to end this blog by expressing disappointment in the lack of media that I was able to obtain pertaining to The Grand Theatre. While things came together thanks to interviews and other information, I find it unfortunate that Williamstown has not been more careful with photos and other things from The Grand. I hope that first-person recollections and other descriptions alike have helped readers gain an understanding of what the theater is like. Thank you for reading, and have a good summer.

Interview with a Road Company Member

Learning about a building with as much personality as The Grand is best done with assistance from someone who has experienced it firsthand. Juli Smith, 20 year old resident of Williamstown and member of The Road Company, has appeared in multiple shows at the theater and has a unique perspective to offer about the old building and what happens next.

"It's a shame to see it collapse the way it did," Smith began. "Fortunately, The Company was aware that there was some minor damage and had actually begun performing their current show elsewhere. I don't think anyone realized the extent of the damage, though."

Smith began performing with the Road Company in her early teen years, and most recently appeared in "A Chorus Line" in 2009.

"The majority of The Grand is exactly the way it was when it first opened. The ticket booth and candy stand up front, the red velvet seats, and the intimate nature of the viewing. It gives an atmosphere you don't get anywhere else, and The Road Company put it to good use."

"The Road Company does a lot of good things people don't know about. The summer is spent with a sort of acting camp for kids. Proceeds from the shows go to fundraisers, which often go to The Road Company of The Grand but are sometimes used for other causes. A portion of the money from "Rent" went to an AIDS benefit."

While the collapse has been tragic, Smith has tried to remain hopeful. She feels that the rebuilding process may present some opportunities for improvement.

"The building wasn't originally designed with live shows in mind. There is little room backstage to move scenery, and the dressing rooms downstairs resemble closets. While they will most likely try to maintain the former appearance, which they should, they might still look to make these minor changes that would greatly aid performances. All in all, I just hope that they can restore it to the point where people can enjoy shows their again."

Longtime Williamstown Residents Reflect on The Grand

Joseph and Karen Knecht, each Williamstown residents of more than 50 years, have many fond memories of the Grand Theatre. Williamstown has grown significantly in the last half-century, but there was a time when this theater was one of the few sources of entertainment.

"Prior to the emergence of multiplexes you could only see one movie per building," Joe recalls. "You looked in the paper for the movie you wanted and had to go to that location. The Grand was the only place in Williamstown where you could see movies. The next closest theater was in Glassboro."

Karen remembers the theater for its movies, but also as an auditorium for St. Mary's Catholic school, which at the time was located next door.

"We didn't have a school auditorium, and The Grand was a stone's throw away. All of the kid's would walk down the street and we would pile into the theater, which had both auditorium and balcony seating."

Unfortunately, the decline of the theater's movie showing days began when multiplexes sprung up in the immediate area. However, The Grand held on to a slightly altered business model as long as possible. Joe remembers their new strategy.

"They turned themselves into a "dollar-theater," showing movies that had already been out for a few weeks at a reduced price. You couldn't see things there the day they came out, but if you were willing to wait you got to see them for a very low cost. It was a pretty good deal."

Eventually, the multiplexes got too big, and even with films that cost a dollar to see The Grand could no longer compete. It was then that the theater was forced to close its doors until being re-opened for plays years later.

Road Company Taking Continuous Donations!

The "Make it Grand Again" Fundraiser is ongoing at the Road Company's official website, and any donations that can help restore the theater would be greatly appreciated. Those interested in lending a hand can follow this link:

http://www.roadcompany.com/html/FundraisingEvents.html

Town Residents Hopeful for Help from Upcoming Elections

The response from town officials to the demise of one of its oldest landmarks has been small to this point. It appears that the old building is not a priority, and this has some local residents concerned. Michael O'Donnell, a resident of Williamstown for nearly twenty years, expressed his concern for a response from the higher ups.

"That building is not only a landmark, but it's located on the central drag through town. Everyone who drives up and down Main Street gets a good look at it, and it's a shame that it is sitting in this condition."

Fences and caution tape have been placed in front of the theater. Other than these standard safety procedures, it appears that actions have yet to be taken. Another town resident, however, is hoping that the upcoming elections will make a difference. Kelsey Heffernan, a lifetime Williamstown resident is optimistic.

"It's possible that the current administration just hasn't gotten the chance to do anything, but it's also possible they aren't interested because they could be losing their seats. A new mayor and new town council members might help the process. New faces always bring fresh ideas."

Town members have no choice but to wait and see if The Road Company receives assistance from local officials.