MELBOURNE, Fla. – A cornerstone of arts and culture in Brevard County for more than 70 years is still cleaning up after Hurricane Milton, but a return to performing could be close.
On Thursday, front-of-house manager Tori Smith and actor and maintenance man Max Thornton told News 6 that they’re hoping to reopen Saturday night.
Smith showed News 6 where a pipe broke in the building’s roof and where a water leak destroyed furniture and a piano.
“We regrettably lost wonderful pieces of furniture that have been on stage for many shows and have great memories for me,” Smith said. “This really took us out.”
Cleaning up the damage for the last week, Thornton said the key repair that still needs to be made before actors can grace the stage and the audience can take their seats again involves lighting.
“The long pole on the tent for getting back up is getting our lighting control system back up, and that is scheduled for Thursday or Friday,” he said.
Thornton said the auditorium stayed mostly dry during the storm and pipe break, and nothing on the set of the theatre’s current running show, “Dr. Cook’s Garden,” was damaged.
“It is amazing,” Thornton said of the possibility of putting on the play again, Saturday at 8 p.m.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, the theatre is asking for donations.
Thornton said repairing the lighting system will cost thousands.
“Plus, the revenue we lost,” he added. “We’ve lost four shows now, and we can’t recover all of that.”
Repairs and cleaning will continue until showtime Saturday.
Volunteers are asked to help from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Those interested can call the theatre at 321-723-6935.