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News Release: April 30, 2010
The effort is continuing at the Pewter Plough Playhouse to raise the approximately $32K necessary for the required fire sprinklers, in order to reopen the Playhouse, which was forced to close on February 28 until sprinklers are installed. Current appeals are being made for loans and grants to a wide variety of funding organizations. The deadline imposed by the County is July 31. In the hopes of securing the funding, the Playhouse already has in mind its next production after sprinklers are installed, Thorton Wilder's masterpiece, Our Town.
The Playhouse is an entertainment and cultural treasure, which has presented live theatre and other events for the past 33 years. It is cherished by both its dedicated playgoers and family of volunteers, who are hoping the PPP gets back to presenting plays soon. It would be a deep blow to the community if shut down for good. During the past few years many building improvements have been made except for sprinklers.
The sprinkler project has experienced two major setbacks. First, founder and Artistic Director Jim Buckley, who has underwritten the Playhouse since its opening in 1976, suffered some severe financial losses in the last couple years. Then, regrettably, the PPP nonprofit group, founded by Jim Buckley eleven years ago, discontinued their involvement with the sprinkler drive and returned all donations received up to that time, due to complications with a deed and other issues. This breakdown amongst long-time colleagues is considered most unfortunate by all concerned.
Nevertheless, the quest for sprinkler funds goes on, unfortunately without participation by the nonprofit (not tax deductible, at this point). The allotted time is also drawing down, with the deadline of July 31 approaching. Another concurrent possibility, reluctantly, is the prospective sale listing of the PPP, which may be necessary; if so, a theatre-loving buyer would be sought, but this would not curtail the ongoing search for sprinkler funds to reopen.
If you would like to help or contribute to the funds drive, have questions or ideas, please contact the PPP at 927-3877, www.pewterploughplayhouse.org
The Pewter Plough Playhouse, known as the "Jewel Box of Community Theatres" for its unique charm and distinctive atmosphere, is located at 824 Main Street, at Sheffield St, in Cambria's West Village.