The Spirit Remains

“I would love to get my hands on this place.” 

I had said this out loud every time I’d ever been in  The Georgia Theatre ... until Tuesday night. All I could manage between gasps was, “WOW!” The chill bumps never stopped.

As a professional designer, I scan and evaluate every space I ever step into from a different perspective do than most people. I've always been intrigued by the fabulous Georgia Theatre and longed to work my magic inside there, long before the 2009 fire. That tragedy broke the hearts of Athens music scene fans from all over the globe. 

Those fans came together to help rebuild our precious venue. And what an amazing accomplishment! Donations and special concert events from thousands of fans and supporters totaled more than $250,000,  and funds are still coming in. The donations are only a small percentage of the $4.5 million dollar project, but are still an incredible amount of money accompanied by the good will and loving spirit of The Georgia Theatre’s world-wide fans, many of whom include the musicians who have played there over the years.

Thanks to generous friends and a supportive bank, not to mention the undying devotion and determination of the theatre’s owner, Wilmont Greene, the dream of rebuilding and reclaiming the amazing spirit of The Georgia Theatre has been realized.

Even in my wildest designer imaginings, however, I don’t think that I would have ever had the vision for the building's perfection! Had the place not been gutted by fire, I don’t know if it would have been possible for anyone to create the open space format the architects and contractors have now created. 

You won't find the tacked on boxes, nooks, and crannies such as the original tiny “green room” behind the stage. Weird little turns in hallways and formerly closed off areas have disappeared. Every single square inch of space that sits between the original thick brick walls of the theatre has been used to maximum efficiency.

The true brilliance of the interior design to me, however, is that it still feels like the Georgia Theatre! That statement, I’m sure, would make Wil Greene very happy. It’s exactly what he hoped to accomplish.

 “It’s brilliant,” said Warren “Skoots” Lyndon, a guitar tech and roadie who has accompanied bands such as Deep Purple and Randall Bramblett all over the world. 

“You’ve got less seating, but more space for more people, and a bigger stage within the same walls!” Lyndon told me as we peered from back stage out at the hundreds of people enjoying the music of Chuck Leavell and the Randall Bramblett Band, for whom my husband Michael is bassist.

“They thought of everything and they spared no expense,” said Lyndon. He showed me the back stage's state-of-the-art sound board, aglow with levers and buttons and blinking lights.   

It was a gorgeous piece of gear, but I was far more intrigued by the swooping cherry-red velvet drapes and magnificent lighting. It moved on giant silvery support beams, washing over drummer Gerry Hansen, seeming to enhance his energy and illuminate the awesome vibe coming from his fellow musicians on  stage.

As I wandered all over the packed theatre, camera in hand, snapping photos, learning my way around, and hugging friends as we all raved over the new digs, I felt a physical flow of energy that I can only compare to being in a beautiful labyrinth. I felt as if I were being pulled along as if to say, “Come look over here….check this out….and look here, too!” 

The new Georgia Theatre is an example of positive Feng Shui energy at work, for sure. Despite the crowd, I moved easily from the back stage area to the main floor, still sloped as it had been previously. This feature literally sets up the stage for the musicians to be practically worshiped by their adoring fans and allows for each person to be able to see over the heads of the people in front of them.

The spacious stairwell at the front right side of the building saw traffic the entire night. It provides access to the three balconies and mezzanine and remained downright breezy, though it was sometimes crowded. An attractive elevator sits on the left front side of the building providing adequate handicapped access.

Speaking of breezy balconies….all I can say, again, is WOW! Not only was each level of balcony gorgeous, but each allowed for a magnificent view of the stage. 

However, it was the enormous ceiling fans that took my breath away and gave me and my chiffon dress several Marilyn Monroe moments!  The fans were works of art and not only enhanced the air conditioning system, but also seemed to literally stir the crowd’s energy into a euphoric elixir!

One balcony level had a beautiful bar. Behind it was a peaceful,  attractive mezzanine art gallery featuring photographs of the entire project, from charred ashes to steel beams to finished product. The mezzanine’s windows look out onto downtown Athens, and the exposed original brick walls add to the ambiance,. The curve of the front exterior of the wall adds even more design texture.

I never knew the Georgia Theatre had a basement in the previous incarnation, but it certainly does, and the space was smartly used as the new bathroom areas. As you step past a blue velvet curtain into the ladies room, you find yourself in a curvy mirrored vanity area with lots of room and great lighting. It's not too bright, with more rich brick walls, touch-timed faucets, and two long rows of private toilet areas, which means no waiting! I didn’t visit the men’s room for obvious reasons,  but I bet it was just as attractive and efficient.

Sound quality--which, by the way, was amazing--was enhanced by more red velvet panels spaced across the brick walls surrounding the room. I was moved by the fact that soot from the fire remained on the brick. In fact, it looked as though the brick was barely touched during the entire renovation, almost a tribute to its survival. The Pheonix rising from the ashes story kept popping into my mind all night.

I could go on and on about the accomplishments of the renovation, the carpet selection, the paint colors, the fabulous rooftop restaurant, the very life presence of the stage itself.  What it boils down to however, is that theatre owner Wil Greene never gave up. Despite the heartbreak, the insurmountable odds, the funding issues...he listened to the community. He heard the stories that have sprung from within the four remaining walls, and he and his amazing team created something Athens can be proud of for decades to come. 

The Georgia Theatre is now a world class venue on every level.

I must have spoken to 50 friends while I flitted around the theatre. Everyone I spoke to was blown away. “Gorgeous, wonderful, amazing, a dream come true, a miracle,” were the words everyone used. But I think my poetic husband said it best when he referred to what has been accomplished in the theatre. He spoke of not just the building, but the captured spirit, the crowd who came out in support of the bands and the resurrection of the theatre 

Michael said, “This IS Athens!” And he's right.