Published: November 23, 2009 08:39 pm      

Group seeks Lorraine memories

HOOPESTON — The Hoopeston Area High School media classes are working on a video documentary pertaining to the history of the 87-year-old Lorraine Theatre and the people who worked or attended the theater’s early functions.

“The Lorraine is really a big part of Hoopeston,” said Katana Byers, who is in charge of the project. “It’s just a way to let everyone know the history (of the theater).”

Byers, a senior this year, said she had her first date at the Lorraine.

The documentary will be done in three parts, according to Dan Reed, media instructor. The first part was an interview with Josh Caudle, present owner of the theater.

The second will take place later this month with Christin Prince, a senior at Eastern Illinois Uni-versity and Hoopeston graduate. Prince will return to Hoopeston to conduct a tour of the less-accessible areas in the theater with Caudle. It will include behind-the-stage area footage, the basement, film and projector room, and other areas of the theater not normally seen by patrons.

The third part will take place in early December with former patrons and employees sharing their memories of the Lorraine Theatre. Time and place will be announced.

The students are seeking old photos of the theater or remembrances. Photos or other memorabilia can be dropped off at the high school superintendent’s office with a name and phone number so mate-rials can be returned.

“I am personally thrilled to have such an interest in the theater,” Caudle said. “I am excited to see the interest in the project by the teens and seeing the next generation getting involved with the place.”

Caudle said attendance is up at the theater — more younger people are attending, older ones are coming back, and the showing of the Twilight series of “New Moon” can boast its second sold-out event since Caudle purchased the theater last year.

Caudle also is planning to show a classic movie, possibly “Casablanca,” at a date yet to be determined. “Gone With the Wind” was shown last month.

TO HELP

People with old photos of the Lorraine Theatre or remembrances they would like to share are asked to call Dan Reed at 283-9511 or e-mail him at dreed@hoopeston.k12.il.us.