RIALTO CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

MORRILTON, AR - Ten years ago, the historic Rialto Theater stood vacant and abandoned. The marquee in front had fallen in and been removed, and a “For Sale” sign was out front. An upstairs window had been broken, and birds and animals were nesting inside. The owners of the Property had given the vacant building to the City.

Downtown Morrilton was in decline, and someone had asked the City to tear down the Rialto to make room for a parking lot. Mayor Stewart Nelson inspected the building, decided it was structurally sound, and asked Lindell Roberts, a member of the Arts Council, to take on a project to renovate the Rialto as a performing arts theater. The rest is history! Roberts put together a group of dedicated volunteers who worked thousands of hours restoring the wonderful old facility. (One of the key volunteers, electrician Richard “Smitty” Smith, who recently passed away, spent countless hours re- wiring the facility and installing stage lighting.)

In addition, they purchased an adjoining former hardware store and converted it into a wonderful art gallery and reception hall. They also installed a commercial kitchen, which is under the supervision of volunteer Theresa Paladino and beautiful dressing rooms for the theater. The Rialto has become the catalyst for revitalization of Down- town Morrilton, with stage plays, concerts, art exhibits, and children’s programs, which are bringing increasing numbers of visitors to our city.

Rialto volunteer Bill Stacks, said “This could not have been possible without the efforts of State Senator Bob Johnson and former State representative, Charles Ormond to secure General Improvement Grants from the state. The Afton King family also made significant gifts to help build the dressing rooms, to redecorate the interior, and to install the new stage curtains and lights theater. Many local businesses and individuals have also given generously to help the Rialto over the years. Among local companies provided significant help in the renovation project: GBP Arkansas Kraft Division the structural steel for the new Rialto marquee, and Mobley Contractors furnished man-power and equipment to fabricate the marquee frame-work and to do other improvements inside the Rialto. Mobley Construction Company and Haynes Home Center provided materials at cost.

Last but not least, The Rialto could not continue to operate without the support of the Mayor Kirby and the City Council, which has access to the Rialto for “Town Hall” meetings, press conferences, and other special events. Many of the original volunteers continue to dedicate much of their time to operate and maintain the Rialto Theater and Gallery.

At a celebration held Sunday, November 18th in the Rialto Gallery, Lindell Roberts, Chairman of the Rialto Board, expressed appreciation to the volunteers who renovated the Rialto, and Mollie Williams, Vice President of the Rialto Board, talked about Annie Rae Gray, Bee Garrett Webb, now deceased, and other early members of the Rialto Board. Mollie also recognized members of the Gallery Committee, who work so hard to provide outstanding art exhibits throughout the year, while providing a place for local artists to display their works. Dianna Denton, the great director and producer of stage plays by the “Rialto Players”, spoke about the upcoming performances of Christmas Belles November 30, December 1st and 2nd. Former Mayor, Stewart Nelson, also spoke, commending the work of the volunteers.