Main Street Stories: The REES Theatre

PLYMOUTH, Ind. -- A labor of love.

A theatre that a town so loved, they not only saved it from demolition, but gave it a brand new, modern life.

The REES Theatre has been a staple of downtown Plymouth since 1940. Even then, it was a repurposed Civil War era three-story brick building.

The Art Deco theatre that welcomed as many as 600 guests in its prime, would fall into disrepair and close its doors in 2009. The city wanted to demolish the building and lay a parking lot in its place.

Local business owners weren't going to have that. It was bought and saved by those who loved it most.

"Since Plymouth is such a tightly-nit and prosperous small town, so many people that really, genuinely cared about the theatre came together and made it work. That’s why The REES came back," shared House Manager Jackson Garrison.

So much of the community came together to restore The REES to its former glory. Including Executive Board Member Linda Starr.

"We have a lot of people still that live here and haven't been in to see how it's been renovated and when they come in, they'll start to reminisce about when they were here the last time, or something that happened when they were here, or they sat back there and made out or whatever you know, little stories."

It's hard to imagine looking at the theatre now, that it was in such terrible shape. Part of the ceiling even collapsed shortly before the remodel took place. But dozens of volunteers took action.

The marquee was redone and restored, the interior dismantled, and the screen repurposed into collector shopping bags.

Though so much was updated and changed, there are remnants and echoes of the past theatre everywhere you look.

"People ask me if this theatre is haunted since it had been an undertaker's at one time. I say no, the only spirits are in the cupboard," shared Garrison.

Original floors remain in the upstairs loft, which is set to become an entertainment and rental space with livestreaming capabilities.

The circle advertisement window is now the window to the concession stands.

Narrow staircases and secret passageways signify the building of old.

But my goodness, the modern updates.

Solar panels line the roof and provide about 70% of the power that they use at the theatre.

The livestreaming capabilities will be able to cast whatever is being shown in the theatre, to assisted living homes and beyond.

The large theatre screen moves to create space for different occasions, and it's an LED screen so there are no shadows cast or strong beams of light for performers.

The colors along the walls can change, the seats can move, and one of my favorite things of all- the floors are heated!

Though it is not recommended to take your shoes off to try it out.

The concession even has a vent leading to the street so passersby can smell the delicious aroma of popcorn.

"I just love that they made something new out of something old," said Starr.

Now, the theatre is so much more than just a movie theatre. They host musical performances, shows, plays, they can accommodate rentals such as weddings, business meetings and a plethora of other events.

Celebrate the Arts takes place every September to celebrate the reopening of The REES. This year's theme is Las Vegas and might include Frank Sinatra and Elvis acts.

'We're going to do a Harry Potter theme coming up this fall. We've got like four different levels in the theatre, so we'll have each one of them be a house of Harry Potter," shared Starr.

'We have a Seasoned Citizens movie which is once a month and that’s for people who are… seasoned. And they can come for five dollars, they get a box of popcorn and a beverage, and they can watch a movie."

"We are always taking suggestions for what people want to see," added Garrison.

"We're just so excited to open up the place to people like you to come and see the inside of the theatre…we want everybody in the region to know that you can pretty much bring anything you image to The REES and we can make that happen.

Plymouth has a gem in its hands. It was washed, shined and now looking like it's going to be loved by a whole new generation.

Click here to learn more about The REES Theatre and what they have to offer.