BUNNELL, Fla. - The Flagler Playhouse, whose location was burnt beyond saving in late October, has announced three fundraising events to help the organization in its recovery. The events will give the community a chance to give back to one of its most cherished cultural institutions.
It's not yet clear exactly where the Flagler Playhouse will land next to permanently resume its operations, but this will be an important first step to recovery. Those wishing to attend will have three opportunities between Flagler and Volusia counties.
The first event will take place at Woody's BBQ in Palm Coast, on Tuesday afternoon. Titled 'Let's Kick off the Rebuild', the gathering will function as an initial meeting for those seeking to get involved.
After that will be 'The Gift of Christmas' Concert Fundraiser at Athens Theatre in DeLand. Described as "a Contemporary Christian cantata telling the story of the birth of Christ through song and narration", the show is composed by Tennessee's Phil Barfoot.
The third scheduled event will be a musical put on by Palm Coast's own. 'The Great American Trailer Park' musical will be performed on multiple dates by Matanzas High School students at the school's MHS Pirate Theatre in January. No specific dates are listed by the school, but more information will likely be posted soon.
"We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support and solidarity from the community during this challenging time," Flagler Playhouse President Jerri Berry said in a statement. "The Flagler Playhouse remains committed to upholding its legacy as a hub for arts and culture in the Bunnell area. Together, we will overcome this obstacle and continue to create exceptional theatrical experiences for generations to come."
The Playhouse's location, a decades-old building that used to be a baptist church, went up in flames on the evening of Sunday, October 29th. Various emergency organizations responded to put out the blaze, and the fire was tamed without any recorded injuries. But the damage to the main building was extensive, rendering it a total loss for the Playhouse. The devastated structure still stands along Moody Blvd, a dark omen towering over the thousands of vehicles that pass it each day. Its iconic steeple still stands, but held up only by its skeletal supports.
