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Theater buff aims to restore Sorg Opera House

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer 10:57 PM Monday, August 10, 2009

While there’s no shortage of activities at the Sorg Opera House, the 118-year-old opera house itself, on 57 S. Main St, could stand some major sprucing up.

That’s where Gary Smith comes in.

The Dayton man is a buff of theater buildings and has contributed to the restoration efforts of the Victoria Theatre in Dayton and the Emery Theatre in Cincinnati. Over the past several weeks, he has been doing some restoration work at Sorg, including repairing its leaky roof, which caused damage to the theater over the years.

“I found this place about 20 years ago and it’s been in the back of my mind ever since. I thought I knew every theater, but I didn’t know this one,” Smith said.

Smith came back around to Sorg within the past year and began to make inquiries about working to restore the place. He and Ed Hall, the owner of the building, have applied to form a nonprofit group called the Sorg Opera House Association to further the restoration efforts and help with fund-raising.

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of the oldest theater I could find, and this is it,” Smith said, adding, “the acoustics are still wonderful in there.”

Although much work remains to be done, including restoring the stage and the marquee, Smith hopes to have the building in much improved shape in time for its 120th birthday in 2012.

Smith has worked to do more than just repair the building. He’s also filled it with new programs, including the showing of classic movies, starting Wednesday with “Easter Parade,” starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. Smith also hopes to form a group called The Sorg Players to hold “a couple of plays a year,” he said.

Referring to Sorg, Smith said, “I like the age, I like the beauty. It’s hard to see right now, but it really is a beautiful place.”

Hall likes the progress that’s been made to the building he owns.

“I think he’s going to be a great benefit for the whole building. I’m really excited to see all that’s happening. He’s really involved and he’s really going to town ... we repaired all the leaks in the opera house and we just did that today (Monday),” Hall said.

Upcoming Sorg events

“Easter Parade” movie 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, $3

“The Jungle Book” movie 3 p.m. Friday Aug. 14 $3

“Young Frankenstein”/“High Anxiety” double feature 7 p.m. Friday Aug. 14 $3

“The Wizard of Oz” movie 3 p.m. Saturday Aug 15, $3

“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” one and two, “Return of the Living Dead” 7 p.m. Aug. 15, $3

“The Wizard of Oz” movie 3 p.m. Sunday Aug 16, $3

RAM Pro Wrestling, 7 p.m. Aug. 22, $6.

Miami Valley Idol Gone Country, Aug. 28-29

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The restoring of "The Sorg Opera House" is wonderful. In my day it was known as "The Colonial Theater". I spent a lot of time there watching great movies. But, the one building that was absolutely magnificent was "The Paramount Theater". That was demolished to make room for a parking lot. Sad....

Tom D
7:59 AM, 8/11/2009

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Your article states that there is 'no shortage of activities at the Opera House', but I know nothing of these 'activities'. Please, could someone tell me how to obtain a schedule of such events? I'd be most interested. Thanks.

concerned citizen
7:59 AM, 8/11/2009

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What a wonderful project! Restoration of that theater should certainly be a boon to Middletown. The possibility of events that could be held there are endless. I would love to serve on a steering committee for the 'House'. Please contact me at nlptpa49@yahoo.com if such a committee exists and needs volunteers.

concerned citizen
7:56 AM, 8/11/2009

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