Chairman of the Brook Run Conservancy Danny Ross on March 9 asked Dunwoody City Council for help funding a $40,000 feasibility study to restore Brook Run Theater and develop a performing arts center. Ross said he and his wife, Queenie, believe so much in saving the theater that they are willing to pay $20,000 themselves.
“The outcome of this study will be verification of uses, users, revenues and data that can be fed into the business plan and the fundraising campaign,” he said.
After Ross spoke, Stage Door Players Artistic Director Robert Egizio said he wants to reinvigorate the theater as well. The Stage Door Players’ space seats 125, but Egizio said he believes they could sell twice as many seats.
“We’re seeing close to 10,000 people for main stage events,” he said.
Other residents came out to speak publicly in favor of the feasibility study as well.
“The Conservancy sees the theater as a jewel standing alone in Brook Run Park,” Lynn Byrd said.
Queenie Ross added that “Our city needs to save this diamond in the rough” because Dunwoody needs a cultural center, a multicultural facility. Other residents spoke of wanting space for events like wedding receptions, bar and bat mitzvahs and more than just the theater.
Barbara Robinson said she wants to encourage Dunwoody to do for its citizens what neighbor Sandy Springs did for its. “Now we have an opportunity for a performing arts center at Brook Run Park,” she said.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Jim Redovian said about funding the feasibility study. “Nothing but success written all over it.”
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