The iconic Pioneer Theatre in the heart of downtown Manteo has been given a new lease of life. On Thursday, May 25th, local leaders and media representatives gathered as Michael Basnight, speaking for the Basnight and Hatchell families, proudly unveiled the renovated Pioneer Theatre Manteo. The families acquired the beloved cinema in February and have meticulously restored it, ensuring its familiar charm remains while introducing subtle enhancements.
“We wanted to preserve the soul of the Pioneer,” Basnight stated, emphasizing the decision to avoid modernizing the theater with features that would compromise its unique ambiance. “Instead of modifying it to a theater with little push-button recliners and this and that, you lose the atmosphere of the Pioneer. We decided to keep it as it was, maybe with some enhancements. Much like Manteo. You don’t want to change it. You just want to show off what’s already good about it.”
The reopening was marked with a special screening on Friday, May 26th, featuring Andy Griffith’s powerful performance in the 1957 classic, A Face in the Crowd. This choice of film was particularly poignant, given Griffith’s connection to the region and the theater itself.
The newly renovated exterior of the Pioneer Theatre Manteo, showcasing its classic facade and updated marquee.
The Pioneer Theatre Manteo’s future was uncertain when Buddy Creef announced its closure in December after generations of Creef family ownership since 1918. The theater’s significance as a cornerstone of downtown Manteo was undeniable, making its potential loss a serious blow to the community. However, the February acquisition by the Basnight and Hatchell families ignited hope, setting in motion the restoration project that has now come to fruition.
Basnight underscored the collaborative nature of the revival, highlighting the vital support from the Town of Manteo, and specifically acknowledging Michele Bunce, Manteo’s Program Manager for Community and Economic Development.
A striking symbol of this revitalization is the recreated vertical sign, ready to be reinstalled atop the building. “We’re rebuilding the picture…that famous marquee and Pioneer vertical sign,” Basnight announced. This sign is more than just signage; it’s a visual link to the Pioneer Theatre Manteo’s origins when it first opened at its current location in 1934, evoking nostalgia and a sense of history.
Bringing this vision to life quickly required significant community collaboration. Initially, design studios quoted lengthy timelines for recreating the vertical sign. Turning to his network, Basnight contacted former college roommate Ricky Scarborough, owner of Scarborough Boatworks. Scarborough enlisted Joey Andrasen and Brit Ricketts, who took on the challenge.
“We thought we could do it,” Andrasen explained, detailing their process of working from old black and white photographs. “It took a couple of weeks. We still have a week or so to go on paintwork.” Their dedication exemplifies the local talent contributing to the Pioneer Theatre Manteo’s rebirth.
Further demonstrating the community spirit, Basnight consulted with former Manteo Mayor and retired architect John Wilson for his expertise. “We’re asking him, ‘…can you do anything?’ Three hours later, he’s got a rendering. Two days later, the entire new facade of the Pioneer, and it matches perfectly,” Basnight recounted, showcasing the remarkable speed and efficiency of the local collaboration.
One of the most noticeable changes is the exterior transformation. The Elizabethan-themed facade, a remnant of a past town marketing initiative, has been replaced with a look that more closely resembles the original Pioneer Theatre Manteo design.
The marquee, a crucial element of any classic cinema, has also been faithfully recreated. Basnight shared the story of Jose Rubio, the craftsman who brought the new marquee to life in a single day. Despite initial doubts about material flexibility, Rubio’s experience, including a stint with renowned boatbuilder Buddy Davis, allowed him to expertly craft the marquee. “‘I know how to work with this stuff,’” Basnight quoted Rubio, highlighting the skill and resourcefulness involved.
The inviting lounge area inside the Pioneer Theatre Manteo, offering refreshments and a space for pre-show gatherings.
Inside Pioneer Theatre Manteo, visitors will discover a new lounge area at the back, offering drinks. Basnight clarified that the lounge’s operation would be mindful of the movie experience, open before screenings but likely closed during films, especially children’s movies, to minimize disruptions. Importantly, the theater’s acclaimed sound quality has been preserved, ensuring an immersive cinematic experience.
While Pioneer Theatre Manteo is envisioned as a versatile venue for plays, live music, and community events, movies remain central to its mission. Basnight explained the theater’s programming approach, noting that first-run blockbusters would not be the primary focus due to their demanding screening schedules. Instead, Pioneer Theatre Manteo will curate a selection of classic films and potentially independent releases, offering a unique alternative to mainstream cinemas.
The choice of A Face in the Crowd for the reopening night was deliberate. “The perfect movie to start off with [is] Face in the Crowd…He [Griffith] loved this theater,” Basnight stated, emphasizing Griffith’s connection to the Pioneer. He also announced that the Humphrey Bogart classic Casablanca would follow on Friday, June 2nd, signaling a commitment to showcasing iconic films.
“We want to introduce your children, the next generation, to these movies that were Oscar winners from the 50s or 60s or 40s,” Basnight declared, outlining the vision for Pioneer Theatre Manteo to become a place for rediscovering cinematic history.
The aim is to recreate the classic moviegoing experience at Pioneer Theatre Manteo – a place where the aroma of fresh popcorn fills the lobby, and the theater itself offers a darkened escape into the magic of the silver screen.
“We’re trying to create a vision. It feels good,” Basnight concluded. “And it felt good seeing all of you walking in here tonight.” The reopening of Pioneer Theatre Manteo is more than just the revival of a building; it’s the rekindling of a community treasure, promising to bring cinematic joy to Manteo for years to come.
