Marilyn Finnemore (right) shows the Bright Box Theatre to guests.
(Photo by Scott Mason/The Winchester Star)
THE BRIGHTEST STAR OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY
The Bright Box Theatre in Winchester, VA
by Vincent P. Diem
In 2005, when business entrepreneur Marilyn Finnemore, PhD, purchased the building that would later become an icon in downtown Historic Winchester, Virginia, she knew that there was a particular space within the building that would someday become something special and unique. The space started out as a large, two-story space with squatty ceilings and brick walls. There was little more than mere potential to fulfill a vision.
Marilyn was destined to create a hub for the performing arts. Winchester seemed like the perfect backdrop for her vision, with having been the home of legendary country music icon, Patsy Cline and the highly-regarded Shenandoah Conservatory. The area remains the home of such nationally-known recording artists as David McLaughlin, Marshall Wilborn, Lynn Morris, and David & Linda Lay. She recognized that she had a unique space and wanted to fulfill her vision of establishing a “true event venue” in downtown Winchester. Initially undecided about whether to introduce a production studio or theater, Marilyn settled on pursuing a performance venue – not just another bar that features live music – but, the dream to build a creative/music culture in Winchester. Her dream is well on its way, with the recent development of the Bright Box Theater.
The Bright Box Theater is located downtown Winchester on the Loudoun Street walking mall. The attention to detail and effort that was put into creating a wonderful space for live music performances cannot be overstated. As you walk down the hallway from the Loudoun Street entrance, you immediately begin to realize that you are in a truly special place. The warm, vibrant colors with hues of gold, orange, and purple are inviting as you move through the spaces. After passing the ticket window, guests enter into a spacious beer & wine bar, which also features a room for performing artists to sell their merchandise. The modern styled bar is finished with a copper surface, with stylish lighting and highly polished hardwood floors throughout. Directly behind the bar, remains the original escalator, which dates back to a department store tenant from decades past. Other details can be found in the intricately carved woodwork, which decorates the tops of columns in the bar area. To help design the aesthetics and feel for the bar area, Marilyn called upon locally-renowned craftsman, Richie Oram, who is also the owner of the nearby Union Jack Pub; which, incidentally is a great place to start off the evening with a pint of ale and authentic Fish ‘n Chips or Shepherds Pie, just before the show. Smiling as she describes the space, Marilyn is quick to point out that the bar and its aesthetic appeal are “all Richie.”
As inviting as the bar area is for socializing and refreshment, Marilyn is most excited when talking about the theater space itself. Of all the beautifully-designed spaces that comprise the Bright Box Theater, Marilyn points out that her favorite spot is “right in the middle of the performance hall.” The space, which is designed to accommodate up to 230 patrons, is tastefully decorated, warmly colored, and illuminated with architecturally-interesting wall sconces. Black, glossy high top tables are placed around the perimeter of the space, and close enough to the stage to provide seated audience members with an intimate experience, as if watching the performance in their own living room. Eighteen stage lights mounted on the ceiling provide a full light show during performances and an LCD projection system and screen are available to enhance the experience with visual effects. The theater is also equipped with a state-of-the-art PA system and the secluded sound engineering booth, which provides a birds-eye view of the theater and stage. Marilyn is eagerly looking forward to hosting several high-quality music performances for many years to come, featuring Jazz, Bluegrass, Acoustic, Folk, comedy routines, Salsa dances, rock concerts, and other events.
One particular event that is in the planning stages right now includes a Tribute to the Grateful Dead concert that may feature up to three of the region’s notable bands: The Road (Washington, D.C.), Sacred Groove (Martinsburg, WV), and The Window Panes (Winchester, VA). When Marilyn and the Bright Box Theater’s Events Coordinator, Josh Huff, were presented with the suggestion, the idea clearly resonated with them, as was immediately evident in their expressions. The wheel began to turn and one idea spawned the next. The idea of hosting a Tribute to the Grateful Dead concert event evolved into planning something that would be a truly unique experience for patrons of the show. Vendors could set up in the social area selling tie-dyed clothing, hula hoops, poi balls, and jewelry; almost as if it were a small, indoor Shakedown Street, of sorts. Another idea included inviting a drumming circle to join in the celebration event, which could perform between bands during the stage transition times. In that way, there would be no interruption of music and “drums” would be built into the performance. Let there be songs to fill the air! As this venue becomes more familiar with the genre, and the musical family learns about the Bright Box Theater, it is truly within the realm of possibility to see nationally-known recording artists perform locally, thus avoiding the hassle of driving into larger, metropolitan areas.
Marilyn shared that every effort was made to design the perfect space for enjoying live musical performances. Specific design features include a completely silent HVAC system, which does not interfere with the live performances, acoustic wall panels, and a specially-designed acoustical ceiling. She recruited such notable designers and experts as Milo Lanoue from Princeton, New Jersey, who specializes in black box theater design; as well as, Pete Cosmos, who is a reputable sound expert. Additional advice came from the Dean of the nearby Shenandoah Conservatory, Michael Stepniak. Marilyn cites the collaborative effort of everyone involved in the fulfillment of her vision. In the case of the Bright Box Theater, it truly took a village to build this remarkable space.
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Written by Vincent P. Diem, who is a singer/songwriter/mandolinist with both Flint Hollow and The Window Panes.
Photographs by Carrie M. Diem.
Related links:
http://www.brightboxtheater.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sacred-Groove/197626743671551
http://www.facebook.com/TheRoadDC?fref=ts
