Historic Frostburg Theatre Still Entertaining
On Monday, October 19th at 7:30 p.m., the Palace Theatre on Main Street hosted the 1940’s film The Postman Always Rings Twice. The event was a part of the Palace’s film series which raises funds for the renovations and maintenance of the vintage theatre.
In November 2013, the theatre suffered a collapsed wall, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Efforts have since been made to reinstate the wall and refurbish the lobby area.
According to its website, www.frostburgpalace.org, the theatre “gained non-profit status in 1985 when a group of Frostburg community members joined together in an effort to preserve the historic building.” The film series began in the spring of 2003, after the idea was proposed by a group of dedicated volunteers in 2001. Besides raising funds for renovation costs, the Palace also focuses on the “promotion of a vibrant downtown.” The theatre’s prime location in the heart of Frostburg draws many people – with many being able to travel by foot. Entertainment at the theatre dates back as early as 1906, with performances and shows costing only 5 cents.
Rather than showing mainstream films, the Palace leans toward the promotion of classic, independent, and foreign films and documentaries. This enables a “broader selection of films in Allegany County.”
The Postman Always Rings Twice originally debuted on May 2nd, 1946. The 113 minute, unrated film follows a married woman who falls in love with a drifter. Her husband hires the drifter to work in their lunchtime burger joint before the two lovebirds realize their fate. They plot to murder her older, bizarre husband who is obviously not her perfect match. His quirky attitude and alcohol use and the secret lovers’ old-school approach to murder him provide great humor.
Outside of the film world, the Palace also hosts many community events. The Mid-Atlantic Grand Fiddle, Banjo, and Mandolin competition is set to take place on Saturday, October 24th. The competition is available to the public free of charge from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. The Springfield Exit concert begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are only necessary for the concert and can be purchased at The Book Center in Cumberland or at Main Street Books in Frostburg. Springfied Exit, according to their website, www.springfieldexitband.com, is a bluegrass and acoustic country band from the Shenandoah Valley.
Events such as the One-Act Play Festival, the Appalachian Festival, and other music series have also been held at the Main Street theatre.
An evening spent at the Palace Theatre is like a blast through the past. The throwback ticket booth, the brightly lit marquee, and the timeless feel of the auditorium are bound to take visitors back in time. The historic Frostburg landmark thrives under the careful upkeep of the many hardworking volunteers.
A schedule of upcoming events and shows can be found at the Palace’s website, http://www.frostburgpalace.org/schedule/index.htm.
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