Paul Newman has his own seat at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre. The art space was originally opened in 1935 as a movie theatre and survived through the 60s.
It fell into disarray until the Marietta, Ga., community rallied to reopen The Strand in 2008. Newman has a gold placard with his famous name as his beautiful wife Joanne Woodward, grew up in going to The Strand! Of course her seat also has a placard next to her late husband’s.
Sadly there aren’t any pictures of The Strand’s original art deco glory but the renovation team made every effort to restore the theatre. The space is truly fabulous. It’s deep burgundy curtains and gold accents resonate classic elegance. Many local businesses donated either time, funds or products to restoring The Strand.
The Strand also offers a full bar along with the usual concessions. Walk through the gorgeous theatre, up through the mezzanine to the roof top patio overlooking Marietta Square. The roof is open on Fridays and Saturdays (when the space isn’t rented for an event) so if you’re on The Square for one of the summer concerts try popping up there for a drink.
Southern residents are excited to see their community invest so much time, effort and money into the arts. Here’s hoping The Strand will continue to be a landmark for Marietta and a treasure trove for great musical theatre.
This summer The Strand is offering week-long day camp for rising 4th-7th and 8th-12th grades culminating in final show. Sessions are from July 11-15 & July 25-29.
For more information visit
http://www.earlsmithstrand.org/