Casablanca Party and a Movie Kick Off of The Latchis Resotration Project Phase 2
BRATTLEBORO, VT—Celebrate the Party of the Decades at Latchis 4, 50 Main Street, on Friday, December 7 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. during Brattleboro’s first Friday Gallery Walk. The Latchis 4 space will be transformed and renamed Latchis Café for the evening with the public invited to step into another era—Rick’s Café of Casablanca fame—to enjoy food, drink and surprises inspired by the classic movie.
Sponsored by Brattleboro Arts Initiative, the Party of the Decades will kick off a series of fundraisers to help underwrite the Latchis Restoration Project Phase 2 of the historic Latchis Theater in Brattleboro, VT.
“The Latchis has been an asset to the community, played to appreciative audiences, and made memories ever since it opened in 1938,’ said Pam Matweecha, president of BAI. “This next phase of the restoration will mobilize support to raise $930,000, so that our children and grandchildren have the same chance to make great memories of their own.”
Designed to celebrate the past, present and future of the Latchis, the kick off will feature a multi-tiered entertainment revue of the decades. Throughout the night, live music from the 40s, 50s and 60s by the Latchis 4 House Band will be accompanied by readings of true Latchis stories performed by several of Brattleboro’s finest actors and highlighted by favorite old movie clips from the same years. Stephanie Petkanas, vocals; Becky Graber, piano; Paul Jensen, guitar; Wim Auer, bass; Ben James, drums make up the Latchis 4 Band.
A cash bar of wine, champagne and classic martinis will accompany a variety of authentic Hors d’oeuvres inspired by the movie Casablanca and created by 39 Main.
Suspense will build toward the end of the night as door prizes are announced including a night for two in a mini-suite at the Latchis Hotel. Adivasi, Evan James Limited, Sprout, Windham Wines, 39 Main, and the Latchis Theater have also generously donated prizes.
Brave and patriotic folks will be invited to sing their school or national anthems. Reminiscent of “Rick’s,” a well sung anthem could win a prize. Others will be invited to fill out a survey for a chance to win.
Pam Taylor, interior designer for A Candle in the Night will be transforming the space in the spirit of the film along with exotic plants from Carley’s Florist. Jerry Goldberg, Executive Director of the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce, will act as Carl (Rick's Cafe manager played by S.Z. Sakall). Other members of the Brattleboro Arts Fundraising Committee may be dressed up to add to the ambiance and fun. Following the party, the movie Casablanca will be screened.
Phase 2 Campaign
When the Latchis family announced their intention to sell the building in 2001, Brattleboro Arts Initiative (BAI) in partnership with the Preservation Trust of Vermont and hundreds of individuals, businesses and institutions purchased the Latchis building and its businesses for over $1,550,000.
Over the last five years BAI has invested more than $250,000 in essential repairs, upgrades and safety systems. Phase 2 funds will be allocated to create a new 99-seat venue for performance and cinema, restore the marquee, improve lighting, highlight street-level architectural details and retire low interest loans.
Jim Maxwell, BAI board member says: “The creation of the 4th theater will allow a greater number and variety of live performances on the Main Stage. It will offer more venues and dates to local non-profits for fundraisers. Independent and art cinema films will be able to run alongside first run films that will generate new income to support operations and arts programming.”
The Phase I campaign raised just over $1 million, and the Preservation Trust of Vermont helped secure low-interest loans to cover the remaining $550,000. By retiring the remainder now, the Latchis will be able to devote 100% of operating profits to expansion of arts programming and enhancements of the businesses and building.
Under BAI’s stewardship more than 100 live performances and events in the 750-seat Main Theater have brought thousands of people to downtown Brattleboro.
The Latchis has enabled local non-profit organizations to raise more than $50,000 in fundraising events. In a typical week nearly 3,000 people come through the doors at the Latchis.