Obama on big screen at Old Theater

January 16, 2009 by pamliconews

Obama on big screen at Old Theater

JEFF AYDELETTE
PAMLICO NEWS STAFF

Blockbuster attendance is expected mid-day on Tuesday when Oriental’s Old Theater on Broad Street opens its doors for a free big-screen viewing of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Volunteer technicians Dave Mauney and Keith Smith have agreed to prepare the revered hall for over-the-air receipt of a live broadcast by any of several national television networks. The pair will also handle extra duties like sound amplification and projection capability. The treasured town landmark once hosted first-run movies, and retains its original seating sufficient to accommodate approximately 150 people.

According to organizer Judi Heit, who serves on the Old Theater’s board of directors, the facility will open at 10:30 a.m. on Inauguration Day on a first come, first served basis.
“We are really hoping for a large turnout from our black community,” said Heit. “This is an absolutely free public service that The Old Theater Corporation is delighted to offer.”
The idea is being well-received, particularly among those who considered a quick jaunt to our nation’s capital -- only to be dissuaded by predictions of massive gridlock and few, if any, accommodations.

“We contemplated the trip,” said Juanita Duffy, a former chairman of the Pamlico County Democratic Party, “but quickly ruled that out. This sounds like a very, very special occasion to share for those who worked so hard for Obama’s election. This promises to be a momentous day for the entire country.”

Plans call for invitations to go out this week to elected officials from both parties. Old Theater operatives believe the free event could be one of the largest the facility has ever hosted.
“I’ve even ordered a life-size cardboard cutout of President Obama,” laughed Heit.
Smith, the technician and cyberspace guru, is well-known for meticulous planning that covers every eventuality. He recently uncovered a tentative schedule, leading up to the new President’s Oath of Office:

• Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks: Senator Dianne Feinstein
• Invocation: Dr. Rick Warren
• Aretha Franklin will sing
• Vice President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn into office
• Music, composed by John Williams, to be performed by musicians Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero, and Anthony McGill.

“I think we should promote this as an 11:30 a.m. start for those who want to see the entire event,” Smith suggested in a recent e-mail. “After all, you wouldn’t want to miss Aretha . . ..”

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