Grand Theater can seat 250 for now, Steubenville says
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STEUBENVILLE -- The historic Grand Theater for the Performing Arts finally has its occupancy permit 16 years later -- and it's just in time for a Nutcracker Village debut.
The city of Steubenville this week issued a temporary occupancy permit for the Grand, capping occupancy at 250 for now.
"After 16 years of work we can open to a limited capacity of 250, which will go up to 299 after our new restrooms are finished this winter," Scott Dressel, the Grand's chief volunteer, said. "Depending on future grants once the sprinkler system is complete and we have better seating, we will be up to about 800 capacity. It's been a long road and the theater looks great."
Dressel said their inaugural show will be the Wooden Heart Follies, Dec. 4-6. This year's play, 'The Invasion of the Woods Snatchers,' is about "alien Grumponians who attempt to abduct nutcrackers to extract their joy." Tickets to the Follies and Scythian, a Celtic rock and Americana folk band slated to perform Dec. 19, can be purchased on the Grand's Facebook page.
"It's our first show on stage," Dressel said. "And (our first) in the theater since the restoration of its plasterwork."
City Manager Mike Johnson said he toured the theater earlier this week "and the progress that has been made in restoring (it) is amazing."
"Much credit and appreciation to Scott Dressel and his group of dedicated volunteers for the time and effort that has been invested into the restoration," he said. "Several events are scheduled for December -- the return of events to the Grand Theater is a proud and historic moment for Steubenville."
Closed for many decades, Johnson said seeing it come back to life "is a testament to the importance of preserving our history and investing in our community's future."
"The reopening of the Grand Theater has the potential to be an important part of downtown Steubenville's continued revitalization," he said. "Bringing people downtown for performances and community events creates opportunities for local businesses and helps strengthen the heart of our city.
Nutcracker season kicks off Nov. 24.
Johnson said he's looking forward to Nutcracker Season, describing it as "a family-friendly event and a great holiday experience."
To make it easier for pedestrians to get around, he said there's going to be a pedestrian walkway through the Market Street con.
"There's a meeting next week to finalize the walkway plans," he said. "I'll have more information regarding how much longer that portion of Market Street will be closed after the meeting.