Do you remember?
Well Saturday night at 8:00
I know where I’m gonna go
I’m gonna pick my baby up
And take her to the picture show
Everybody in the neighborhood
Is dressing up to be there too
And we’re gonna have a ball
Just like we always do
Saturday night at the movies
Who cares what picture you see
When you’re hugging with your baby
In last row in the balcony
The Drifter’s 1975
Do you remember these lyrics from the 1975 Drifter’s hit, “Saturday Night at the Movies”? If you grew up in Anson County those lyrics probably bring to mind fond memories of the Ansonia Theatre. Maybe you remember watching Love Story or Gone with the Wind. Maybe you remember leaving home on Saturday morning with a quarter in your pocket and spending the day at the Ansonia watching westerns and eating popcorn. Or maybe, like the Drifters, you can’t remember the movie, but you remember a first date or first kiss with someone special.
Because of the Ansonia’s unique place in the entertainment and social history of Anson County, the Anson County Arts Council has undertaken the project of rescuing the theatre from the wrecking ball and restoring it as a performing arts center.
The transformation/restoration of the Ansonia into a performing arts center will be an economic and cultural asset to Anson County. A community theatre with such history and stature will provide cultural arts and entertainment that is convenient and affordable. It will be a positive help in revitalizing uptown and supporting economic development. The Ansonia Theatre will provide a venue for the Anson County Arts Council, schools, and other organizations to provide civic, educational, and cultural activities to our community. The Ansonia will again be a center of community life.
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