WHAT: “If These Walls Could Tell” storytelling event featuring the Fowler Theatre
WHEN: Feb. 24, 8-9 p.m. with reception following
WHERE: Indiana Landmarks‘ Cook Theater, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202
COST: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
TICKETS: www.storytellingarts.org or by calling 317-576-9848.
The story of the Fowler Theatre, winner of Indiana Landmarks’ 2016 Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration, will come to life on Feb. 24 at Indiana Landmarks Center through the artistry of professional storyteller Stephanie Holman.
Holman will recount the inspiring story of the historic movie theatre in Fowler, a town of 2,300 in Benton County in northwest Indiana, from near ruin to stunning status. The Depression-era dream of Greek immigrant Dimosthenes “Dick” Vlastos, the theatre opened in 1940 with the film “His Girl Friday.”
Six decades later, the movie palace’s shine had dimmed, so local residents formed the Prairie Preservation Guild to save and restore the theatre. As the restoration progressed, many workers reported encountering a ghost. Identified by all as Vlastos, the ghost is said to walk the aisles, as watchful as he was in life, keeping an eye on the restoration crew and his beloved theatre.
Holman’s story will feature Vlastos, his dream, and those who work to keep the 840 marquee lights shining at Fowler Theatre.
Holman is a children’s librarian, a role that allows her to indulge her love of telling stories to children and families. As a professional storyteller, she travels throughout central and southern Indiana performing at parks, schools, libraries, business meetings and festivals. Holman specializes in humorous tales, American tall tales, tales from Indiana and scary ghost stories. She received the Frank Basile Emerging Stories Fellowship in 2002.
The tale of the Fowler is part of “If These Walls Could Tell,” a series of original stories about historic places in Indiana. Storytelling Arts of Indiana and Indiana Landmarks co-produce the series with support from Frank and Katrina Basile.
SOURCE: Indiana Landmarks