Staff Reports
The Rodgers Theatre may look a bit different than it did 70 years ago when it opened, but the downtown theater will be open Friday and Saturday for a birthday celebration.
With its iconic tower above the marquee removed for repairs, the theater at the corner of Pine and Broadway streets will reach a milestone with a variety of entertainment. The first movie shown at the Rodgers returns Friday night while a 5K and one-mile run or walk starts the celebration Saturday morning before a block party all day leading to an appearance by Narvel Felts that night.
“We’ve got a weekend event planned,” said Wally Duncan, a Rodgers Theatre, Inc. board member.
On Friday, the first movie screened at the Rodgers, “Red Canyon,” will return. There’s no admission fee for the 7 p.m. show but donations will be accepted to help restore the theater.
“Red Canyon” is based on a novel by Zane Grey and starred Ann Blyth, Howard Duff and George Brent. It also featured Chill Wills and a young Lloyd Bridges.
It first appeared at the Rodgers on June 1, 1949 with two shows as the theater opened to great fanfare. Nearly 1,800 people attended and the mayor, E.W. Robinson, purchased the first ticket while the Poplar Bluff Municipal Band entertained the crowd.
“There are several people still in town who went to the first screening,” Duncan said. “We would like to get those names of people and invite them back as VIPs, to be there for the weekend, or at least the movie.
“Anyone who remembers being there at the grand opening or at least when it did open, let us know who you are.”
At 7 a.m. Saturday, a free 5K and one-mile run and walk will be held starting in front of the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the streets around the theater will host a block party with food, games, classic cars and music. There will also be tours given of the Rodgers during that time with a behind-the-scenes look at the theater.
Narvel Felts The Legend Returns show will start at 7 p.m. Saturday. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and there will be opening acts Susan Anderson Bell and Double Edge from Memphis. Tickets cost $20 for advanced general admission ($30 at the door) while the premium seating tickets are sold out. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Greater Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, Myrtle’s Place and online at www.rodgerstheatre.org . Felts, who grew up near Bernie, is in his 63rd year performing and is known for songs like “Reconsider Me,” “Drift Away,” Lonely Teardrops,” and “Funny How Time Slips Away.”
RTI received a $336,000 grant to fix the roof but it came with a matching requirement of $45,000. So far the group has raised $41,000. Donations can be made online at https://rodgerstheatre.org/raise-the-roof .
Other upcoming events at the Rodgers include:
• “The MJ Experience” on June 15 with Michael Jackson impersonator Santana Jackson from Las Vegas;
• “South Pacific” musical presented by The Stage Company on June 21-22, 28-30;
• The Justin Heskett Band, from Campbell, with Lost Country will perform country music on July 6;
• The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band performing contemporary bluegrass on August 3.
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Editor’s note: Friday’s edition of the Daily American Republic will feature more about the Rodgers Theatre.