T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA The Monroe Theater’s recently renovated concession stand is open for business.

WOODSFIELD — The Monroe Theater is moving full steam ahead on its spring schedule, despite a recent renovation project.

Last week, the theater was able to officially reopen its concessions stand after having it renovated. Included in the renovation was the restoration of the original 1939 popcorn machine that was used in the theater when it first opened.

The theater holds events almost every week with an array of performances and events that includes talent from all over the country and right here in the Ohio Valley.

Stage Manager Rick Brown wanted the community to know that the facility has a free senior matinee at 2 p.m. every Tuesday.

The theater will be hosting a Paw Patrol meet and greet on Tuesday, which Brown expects to be a great success.

“The kids just love coming and meeting the characters,” he said. “It’s always a good time.”

He also said the theater will be hosting its live Prices Is Right stage game on April 27.

Each Saturday night the theater hosts a youth night that features a retro arcade and is free to attend. Youth Night takes place from 7-10 p.m. in the back of the Monroe Theater.

Another big attraction for the theater is its Haunted Flashlight Tour. The tours are $10 a person and can have groups up to 15.

“We basically take you around the theater in the dark with a flashlight and tell you about the hauntings and whether or not it’s haunted or not,” Brown said.

He said the facility also does overnight paranormal investigations.

“We actually have had a lot of those people seem to really enjoy coming here and investigating the theater,” he noted.

Built in 1939, The Monroe Theatre welcomed national acts from Hollywood, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and The Wheeling Jamboree, according to its website. Its doors closed in 1977, and it was subsequently used as an auction house and an antique store. Although the stage vacant silent for 42 years, the original fixtures remained within the theater.

In 2016, the Monroe Arts Council acquired the building and volunteers began the process of scrubbing and repair. The Monroe reopened its doors in June 2018 featuring a local Bluegrass band as entertainment for the Annual Alumni Weekend. In 2019 the schedule grew as more bands and acts were booked and local residents came to enjoy the shows.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and closed many businesses and venues across Ohio, the Monroe turned to online streaming. Individual entertainers played on stage to an empty auditorium and were streamed for followers via Facebook. The

Monroe was then able to secure over $300,000 in grant funds to help with renovations.

The Theater is located at 104 N. Main St., Woodsfield, on the Appalachian Byway of Ohio. For more information, visit monroetheatretickets.com.