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Daily Journal Article • By Joel Landeau • Staff Writer • June 26, 2008

MILLVILLE -- Members of the Levoy Theatre Preservation Society say the movement to reopen the theater is now gaining serious momentum, 30 years after the High Street landmark closed.

"Now it's 100 percent more serious," said George Walter, head of publicity for the preservation society's board. "The door is open. We're working toward the finish line."

There will be a slew of announcements and fundraisers for the theater project during the summer, Walter said.

"There are a whole lot of projects that are now positioned to be dealt with immediately," he said.

Indeed, the board in March announced an agreement with the Bridgeton-based theater group Off Broad Street Players.

Now, say local attorneys Phillip Van Embden and daughter Lauren, the board's chairwoman, Levoy officials are meeting with developers and contractors on the price and scope of the overall restoration project.

The roof was recently replaced, but Lauren Van Embden said every other aspect of the building must be examined and will need a significant rehabilitation.

Her father said the society could have its renovation plan complete within two months. He would not speculate on a cost, but said it probably will be a "multimillion" dollar project.

The society will try to preserve some key elements of the theater, such as the proscenium, a large archway in front of the stage, the facade and marquee, he said, adding construction could start by year's end.

"We'll try to incorporate the best of everything we have to benefit the historic building," he said. "The theater is a work in progress. Once it opens, it will continue to be a work in progress."

The Levoy opened Jan. 9, 1908, starting with vaudeville acts. Over the years, it featured silent movies, feature films and other types of entertainment.

Lauren Van Embden said a restored Levoy could attract regional acts, including comedians, concerts and theater groups. The facility also could be used for local organizations and as a community meeting room.

"The Levoy has been a number of different things over the years," Phillip Van Embden said. "It's important to continue to have that to serve the community."

The society will apply for public grants and Urban Enterprise Zone money. But it's also starting a series of fundraisers in the upcoming months. The society started selling raffle tickets for a brand new 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. Tickets cost $20, and are available at various local businesses. A drawing will be held during next month's Third Friday festivities.

Lauren Van Embden said the formerly 2,000-seat theater could have between 700 and 1,000 seats when it is renovated. Some changes must be made to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.

A refurbished Levoy could be a capstone to years of efforts to reinvent downtown Millville as a hub for arts and cultural activities. Performances could have tie-ins with local businesses, and put more people on the streets, Lauren Van Embden said.

"Some acts will not come unless you have a theater with a certain amount of seats," she said. "It's time for Millville to have something like this. It could be a final element to make the city a great tourist destination."