By Ashley Engleford
Originally featured in The Spirit Newspaper
Springfield officially has a theatre once again after 57 years. The Mars Theatre, cozily nestled along Laurel Street next door to the Police Station, had its Grand Reopening on the weekend of April 25th for the general public. Standing in front of the bright neon marquee, you can’t help but imagine what a gathering place it was during the 1940’s and 50’s. The hope is that the Mars will once again become a social hub for the people of Springfield and other nearby towns.
The theatre was built in 1944 by J.R. Tebeau. Owned and operated by Jack and Harry Ramsey, it opened the following year. The theatre proved to be a success, drawing locals throughout the week. Just like the original Mars, there is a stage for live performances (actually the exact same stage) and a movie screen directly behind it for films. With over 200 seats, some of which are located on a balcony, the theatre provides a quaint setting in which to enjoy entertainment. The theatre is 100% compliant with ADA standards to insure everyone can have a pleasurable experience.
There was an invitation only “soft-opening” for those who made the renovations possible through donations, volunteering, and such on the 24th to test out all the equipment and celebrate the fruits of their labor. The audience listened to the music of the Randall Bramblett Band and Tommy Talton. All who attended were amazed at the transformation that had taken place and any possible doubts being secretly harbored as to whether the project would succeed were dispelled. That Friday the theatre took in its first paying audience since 1957. The Greencards played that night, followed Saturday by Von Grey and finally on Sunday there was a performance by Essie Mae Brooks. Over all the weekend was a huge success.
The project has spanned ten years and involved numerous individuals. The building was purchased a decade ago by the Springfield Revitalization Corporation (SRC) which worked to raise funds any way they could to renovate the theatre, whether it was a hosting bingo or selling bricks and seats that will be inscribed with the names of those who “purchased” them. They received grant money from the Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) in 2013, which is a leader in the restoring and preservation of historic theatres. The Institute strives to insure that art programs in communities all across America thrive. Tommy Deadwyler, who is with the Fox Theatre, was hired as Springfields’ Director of Cultural Affairs and has overseen the project details providing guidance and advice.
Soon after the City of Springfield purchased the building and insured that the project reached completion. Gussie Nease, of the SRC and who resides in Rincon, has been a driving force on the project from the beginning. Her passion for the Mars showed as she spoke of the years of hard work she and others had devoted to turning this dream into a reality.
The Mars showed its first feature film, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, on May 2nd. Theatre goers of all ages came out for the two showings that evening with one young fan even wearing a “spidey” costume for the occasion. Scott and Yvette Varnadore brought their son Samuel out to the 8 o’clock showing. The couple said that they wanted to help keep Springfield alive. Their hopes, like that of many other locals who attended, are that the Theatre will increase the local economy and draw more businesses to the area. A mere five minutes from their home, entertainment at the Mars is a convenient choice for the family.
Jeff Ambrose, a former Springfield City Council Member, attended the 5 o’clock show with his son Zachary. They too wanted to support the project and Mr. Ambrose said he hopes the Theatre will bring new vitality to Effingham’s County Seat. You can still catch The Amazing Spider-Man 2 from May 8th until May 10th. The lobby area holds a modest concession stand and even has the original wooden and glass candy case on display, now holding various pieces of Mars Theatre movie nostalgia. Some of the films shown there during the 50’s included “Frontier Scout” and “The Delicate Delinquent”.
The Mars offers local family friendly entertainment at reasonable prices with tickets for a live performance going for $15-$20 and movie tickets for $7. The concessions cost less than at your typical theatre with drinks, candy, and popcorn averaging a few dollars each. They also offer beer and wine for those of age and with proper ID. At the Mars it is actually feasible to enjoy refreshments and entertainment at the same time. Something many of us have had to forego due to tightened budgets.
For those who do not live in the immediate vicinity of Springfield, it is worth the drive to visit Mars Theatre. I assure you that it will be a theatre experience unlike any other you will find near here. Whether you are interested in the arts, architecture, history, or just having a good time; you will not leave the Mars disappointed but rather planning your next visit!
Coming up later this month on the 17th the Effingham County High School Chorus will be performing, on the 24th Col. Bruce Hampton will take the stage, and the last two acts for May will be the Savannah Children’s Choir on the 30th and Beverly “Guitar” Watkins on the 31st. You can purchase tickets to these and other events, sign up to receive their newsletter, and view the calendar at www.marstheatre.com. Support this venue and let’s show the business community that it’s time to line the streets of downtown Springfield once again! And if you are looking for somewhere to host your next conference, concert, party, film, or other event, Mars Theatre is available for rental.
Originally published on May 11, 2014
For more information visit thespiritnewspaper.com.
