Little Brown Theatre to Re-Open in October

It's back. The Little Brown Theatre is scheduled to re-open with its first production sometime in October. The new home will be located at 248 South Main in Springville. This "black box" theater space will seat 40-50 patrons. The use of this storefront space has been donated for community theater and performing arts by the founders of VIP ARTS, Bill and Marilyn Brown. This... non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization will sponsor this revised theater endeavor.

The Browns have been known for their work with community theater for decades. They established the Villa Playhouse in 1996 and shortly thereafter saw a need for a more intimate theater space when they founded the Little Brown in the late 1990s. It was located across the street from its present location. "We regretted closing the theater and selling the building because of health reasons," said Bill Brown. "It took me six years before I felt well enough to even consider doing this again. Both Marilyn and I are in our seventies and we felt like this was something we needed to do for the theater arts in Springville."

When the long term tenant moved, Brown saw an opportunity to provide a downtown location for an intimate theatre, and thus the resurrection of The Little Brown Theatre. "With the Villa closed and the old library being torn down, and seeing the vacancies in our downtown area, I felt this would at least draw some attention to this beautiful historic area we have," Brown said. "Perhaps some would see a need to step up to the plate and help with the restoration of the Rivoli Theater (the old Villa). This is a real jewel and it needs some polish and fix-up."

VIP ARTS has teamed up with long time Springville residents Brent and Sara Harvey to manage and run the theater. Besides providing the technical assistance. Sara will serve as the producer and artistic director. She is a graduate from Southern Illinois University in Theater Design and Tech. She is also the stage manager and technical director for the Odyssey Dance Theater touring production. She and Brent have been involved with community theater for more than 25 years and once managed the Little Brown before it closed.

"We want this to be a gathering place for those interested in the performing arts in a more intimate setting. A evening of improve theater known as "Theater Games" will be a weekly event and is still in the planning stages. The Springville Playhouse, who will be without a home, has expressed an interest in doing something in this space. " Brown said. The first production, “The Assassin’s New Friend” will open around Halloween.

Like all community theaters, volunteers are need as well as donations of costumes, props, etc. All donations should be tax deductible. Those wishing to become involved in any way should email: LittleBrownTheatre@gmail.com or call 801-489-4980

Contact:
Bill or Marilyn Brown email: billbrown@dishmail.net
Phone: 801-489-4980 or 801-372-1068
Brent or Sara Harvey email: harvey.pts@gmail.com
Phone: 801-489-9575 or 801-367-3200