News-Record.com

The magic of a magnificent public space, darkened for a wonderful movie, is thrilling. “Some Like It Hot” and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” did exactly that recently at the Carolina Theatre. This summer, many more movies, both old and new, will fill the theatre with suspense, music, comedy, drama, horror and camp — something for almost everyone.

The magic of the building is clear for new and returning theater patrons. Theater veterans know that new eyes immediately rise to the gilded balcony in the lobby, then to the sprites dancing around the proscenium and to the original chandelier in the auditorium. The magic space that came into being just before the Great Depression remains a magic place today. We must keep it so.

Thanks to the leadership and determination of Betty Cone, Sam Hummel and many more hardworking citizens, the Carolina did not fall victim to time and changing attitudes. Those local heroes saved a treasure that continues to provide a wonderful common space.

Old treasures, of course, do not stay treasures without investment and hard work. The staff, board and the Carolina Theatre’s supporters will continue to fulfill our responsibility to pass the treasure on to future generations.

Charlie Brummitt
Greensboro

The writer is a board member of the Carolina Theatre of Greensboro.