Mitchel S.
Yelp
If I would let myself, this review could easily be a 10 pager! Having directed The Wizard of Oz at the Carolina Theatre for 28 years, having been the executive director of the Community Theater of Greensboro for 25 years, and being a lover of theater my whole life, I cannot think of a more perfect example of a classic Broadway style theater than the Carolina Theatre right here in Greensboro!
When I attended graduate school here in the '70s, the Carolina theater was either run down or not operating, but when I returned permanently in 1989, it was on the verge of reopening with a total renovation. As I learned then, and as I know now, the driving force behind the restoration and ongoing glory of the Carolina Theatre is without a doubt, Betty Cone. This woman is fierce and has given all her heart, soul and talents to the Carolina! She has led incredible campaigns over the years to make sure the Carolina Theatre stayed sound, refurbished, upgraded and absolutely stunning! I have been going to Broadway all my life, and when I walk into the lobby and theater of the Carolina Theatre, I could swear I'm in New York in one of the best theater houses the city can offer! That's how magnificent it is! Everyone who works there is dedicated and passionate about this theater. The board works relentlessly to ensure its future and so far they have been doing a great job!
The Carolina theater started as a vaudeville house, became a movie theater and is now host to concerts, theater productions, musicians, dance film, etc. The theater is located in the heart of downtown Greensboro. Although parking may get filled on site, there is plenty of parking in the parking decks and metered streets. When you walk in you will be blown away by the grandeur of the lobby. And will find your mouth salivating over the smell of the popcorn. Don't miss that popcorn. Wow! The theater itself seats approximately a thousand people and has two grand staircases that lead you up to the mezzanine. With its new renovation, there are plenty of bathrooms, even for the women! There isn't a bad seat in the house! New sounds system, plush seating, plenty of legroom, and on and on!
My first big musical as director in Greensboro was a production of Annie at the Carolina Theatre in 1991 It was a huge success and I remember being handed a check for CTG for $10,000 which at that time was a lot of money! That began my love affair with the Carolina Theatre!! Great memories of that show. Over the years I've had the pleasure of directing a roster of musicals including Footloose, Mermaid and 28 years of The Wizard of Oz. I get lots of pleasure seeing young families bringing their children to the Carolina with hopes that the kids will grow up admiring this showplace and keep live entertainment and the theater itself around for generations to come. The place is plush but welcoming and warm and as a local director and performer, I am always very proud when I am part of a production that is performing at this precious jewel. Do yourselves a big favor and visit their website and go see something there ASAP. And of course, every November, make sure you round up the family and friends and come see The Wizard of Oz. I am the man behind the curtain! See you with the theater