Aug. 15, 2006
 
Non Profit Formed to Operate Keith Albee; Derek Hyman Will be a Board Member; Partition Walls Coming Down Soon
 
By Tony Rutherford
Huntington News Network Writer
 
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- The “rare and beautiful jewel” on Fourth Avenue will not be left to decay.
 
Robert Plymale and attorney David Tyson announced the formation of Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center Inc. which will not only manage the 1928 Thomas Lamb vaudeville ‘movie palace,’ but will begin the process of renovation of the facility as a performing arts center.
 
The Southwestern District Labor Council has agreed to remove the partition wall that formed two smaller auditoriums at no cost to the Performing Arts Center. The city of Huntington will donate services to remove debris and garbage associated with the renovation.
 
The partitions which allowed multiple movies to be shown simultaneously were erected with great care by the Hyman family. When showing movies in only one large auditorium was not cost effective, the two smaller auditoriums were added. But, Jack Hyman ensured that the construction did not damage any portion of the theatre. He envisioned that one day, the building would be returned to its original state.
 
Derek Hyman, who serves on the board of the new organization stated, “My grandfather built the Keith Albee and it is part of our family history. This is why I am involved in the process. Now that the movie theatre is closed, I would love to see it made into a performing arts center. I will do everything I can to facilitate the process.”
 
Plymale who along with Tyson serve as co-presidents said, “We must work to preserve this cultural treasure of West Virginia and the Tri-State. Our commitment to preserving the Keith Albee is therefore undeniable.”
 
The board of directors is working with Sachs Morgan Studio in New York to complete a feasibility study. Sachs Morgan specializes in theatre planning and design with services ranging from architectural planning to space programming and theatre drapery. The studio has contributed to restoration and renovation of theatre spaces around the country. They will recommend a plan for the new Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. Their proposal will include cost estimates for theatre renovation and for the types of productions that will be booked into the theatre.
 
With the removal of the two mini-theatres, the Keith Albee will become the largest performing arts center in the state with approximately 2,300 seats. The Marshall Artists Series Fall International Film Series will likely be the first event held at the theatre following the removal of the partitions. The website for the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, Inc. can be viewed at www.keithalbeearts.org. Anyone interested in renting the theatre for an event should call (304) 696-3529.