THEY WERE DANCIN' IN THE STREET!

That's right, they were dancing in the street and in the isles last night at the Princess Theatre's Grand Opening!

For those of us that worked the event, it was a labor of love.  Those of us behind the scenes were tiring, driven only by the adrenaline of the Grand Opening; a culmination of years of hard work.  However, when we looked outside and peaked out at the auditorium, we saw the proud, smiling faces of Princess supporters, and it spurred everyone on.

The crowd loved Tommy Harding singing on Roane Street, as the crowd converged on the Princess ticket booth.  Each one was greeted by the happy face of Jean Penley, who had waited years to sit there and hand out "call for" tickets.  At the doors, more smiling faces of the many wonderful people who staffed the entrances, ushered folks to their seats, or just answered questions.

Many more people working security, as stage hands, techs, and the artists were all so proud to be at the Princess Theatre!  It was a long dream come true, and Gary Baker and Muse Watson could hardly hold the joy they felt inside.

I think the pride and purpose rubbed off on Megan Anderson too.  She will be charged with carrying on the torch and ensuring that "the dream" continues to touch the people and children of this area.

Backstage, countless artist, who had practiced only one day for the event, waited their turn to take their historical turn on the new Princess stage.  They were just the first of countless ones to follow.  This was just one day, the beginning, of something wonderful to happen to our area!

 

Oh yes, there was someone else there last night!  One of the biggest fans the Princess ever had...Sandra Stout!

I must also point out, that while all the performers were great, the crowd poured into the aisles as the Grand Prees played an encore!  They must come back soon...very soon!

I'll shut up now and just let the photos speak what was in the air Thursday night.  Welcome back my Princess...we have long awaited your return! 

 

'Nuff said!  We've set the bar high, now, let's get on with the show/s!

2011 - THE YEAR OF THE PRINCESS!

Whether you believe in "the dream" or not, as Muse Watson said in a promo shoot today at Channel 15 in Harriman, "Hold on to your bloomers, it's happening now!"

Muse is still in town on an extended holiday from Hollywood, and put his time and effort into his favorite project; the Princess Theatre!  Muse, with the assistance of Laura Armour (former "Heartland producer/writer), and Doug Mills (videographer for the "Heartland Series") turned out a number of promotional pieces that will be forthcoming between Channel 15 programming.

Several short spots can already be seen mixed in with the station's programming today.  However, Muse's emphasis today was getting out the message the the Princess Theatre, the City of Harriman/Roane State Channel 15 studio, and the future radio station will bring nothing but good things to the seven county area and the City of Harriman.

Check out the additional console equipment that Bill Radice has installed at the studio.  It's all so overwhelming and way above my head!  Today's technology has quickly surpassed anything I encountered in my computing and communications career at Oak Ridge.  I suppose that's why every now and then you have to run in some fresh young minds!

However, Bill Radice has kept up with the changing times and engineered a "state-of-the-art" television studio.  His career as a Grammy winning sound engineer in New York is serving us well here in Roane County.  This project has been blessed by talent willing to go that step beyond to get our "dream" up and running.

Outside, and inside as well, construction continues on the Princess Theatre.  Scaffolding now stands tall inside and outside the building.  

The inside is becoming more and more white and clean, and the new stage is being poured this week!  The stage is much wider and deeper than the previous one, making lots of room for stage plays, concerts, and your social and business events!

Outside, workers are starting the facade and I can hardly wait to see what it will end up looking like!  What colors will be used, and what new modern equipment and lighting will adorn the Princess' face?!  And, what will the new marquee be like?!

So, get on board folks...it's going to...no, it's happening right now, and you need to be a part, a big part, of making the "dream" come true!  Remember, 2011 is the year of the Princess!