FEW PEOPLE LOVE THE PRINCESS THEATRE MORE THAN MUSE WATSON

In the last post, I hinted at the long connection and affection that Hollywood has had with the Princess Theatre in Harriman. That relationship remains today in the love Muse Watson has for our Princess.

Muse Watson (the man with the hook), even while being very busy currently with his career*, continually keeps abreast of the current work being done by the Princess Theater Partnership, the Restoration Committee, and a large cast of supporting citizens. The current focus is a Princess Productions stage show called “Appalachian Dreams”, to be emceed by Bill Landry, at the Roane State Theater in mid-May. Even though Muse cannot be here for all the board and planning meetings, or the local filming, he checks in often with Gary Baker to get an update.

Muse, who owns a farm locally and often comes here to relax, has been involved with the Princess Theatre for several years. After Cecil Johnson retired in 1999, Muse and Gary Baker came to an agreement with Carmike Cinemas for the building in 2002.

Muse’s career began to take off about that time, so it was necessary for him to move to Hollywood in order to routinely make auditions for movies and television programs. Therefore, he turned everything over to Gary Baker, and to make a long story short, Gary turned it over to the City of Harriman, who leased it back to the Princess Theater Partnership. The good news is that the Princess still has a future and there are many people working hard to make it a centerpiece that will spearhead redevelopment in Downtown Harriman.

However, Muse still loves and is involved in promoting the theater. Just last year he was here pitching his love and dream for the Princess at a local fundraiser. He’ll be back soon, and if possible, will make the “Appalachian Dreams” show in May.

As you can see from the various photos, Muse has had a “hands on” approach to the restoration of the Princess. An article in Southern Living, back in 2002, featured Muse and Gary’s work in restoring the Princess. It’s obvious that he is not averse to getting his hands dirty or paint smeared!

I joined the band of interested parties just a couple of months ago, and I can attest to the fun and good feeling one gets from working on this dream. You can also see that good feeling in the smile on Muse’s face as he lends a hand. As an example, when he made the promotional video clip that is posted in the right sidebar, he had great fun with the film crew and especially with “Barney Fife” (a.k.a. Sammy Sawyer), who actually held the cue cards for Muse!

I suppose I say all this just to let you know that there is room for you too! Join us!

If you do nothing else, please watch for upcoming announcements about the great show now being planned for the Roane State Theater that will entertain you, and give you a warm feeling about your local culture, heritage, and musical and acting talent. It will also give you a great feeling of pride knowing that you too helped support the restoration of a grand ol’ lady, the Princess Theatre!

(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)

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• * Death Keeps Coming (2009) (pre-production)
• First Howl (2009) (pre-production) .... Johnny Talbot
• The Cleansing (2008) (pre-production) .... Preach
• Wrong Way (2008) (pre-production) .... Topper
• TiMER (2009) (post-production) .... Rick
• The Presence (2009) (post-production) .... Mr. Browman
• Small Town Saturday Night (2009) (post-production) .... Charlie
• Stellina Blue (2009) (completed) .... Peter
• Between the Sand and the Sky (2008) (completed) .... Boss
• "Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service"...NIS Agent Mike Franks (8 episodes, 2006-2009)
  - Deliverance (2009) TV episode...NIS Agent Mike Franks