The iconic Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina, a cornerstone of downtown Manteo, has been revitalized and is ready to welcome back moviegoers and community members alike. After a period of uncertainty following its previous closure announcement by Buddy Creef, the theater has been lovingly restored by a partnership of the Basnight and Hatchell families, ensuring that this beloved landmark continues to shine in the heart of the Outer Banks.
On Thursday, May 25th, Michael Basnight, representing the families who acquired the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina in February, unveiled the renovated space to community leaders and the press. His words, “this is your night,” resonated with the collective relief and excitement that permeated the gathering. Basnight emphasized the conscious decision to preserve the theater’s original charm. “Instead of modifying it to a theater with little push-button recliners and this and that, you lose the atmosphere of the Pioneer,” he explained. This philosophy of respectful enhancement, mirroring the town of Manteo itself, guided the renovation process. “You don’t want to change it. You just want to show off what’s already good about it,” Basnight aptly stated, encapsulating the spirit of the restoration.
The grand reopening was marked with a special screening on Friday, May 26th, featuring Andy Griffith’s powerful performance in the 1957 classic film, “A Face in the Crowd.” This choice was particularly poignant, celebrating both cinematic history and Griffith’s connection to the area.
The journey to this reopening began in December of the previous year when the Creef family, who had lovingly owned and operated the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina since 1918, announced its impending closure. This news cast a shadow over downtown Manteo, leaving the future of this signature landmark in question. However, in February, the Basnight and Hatchell families stepped in, forming a partnership to purchase the building and embark on the mission of breathing new life into the cherished theater.
From the outset, Basnight stressed that the project was a collaborative community endeavor. He specifically acknowledged the invaluable support of the Town of Manteo, highlighting the contributions of Michele Bunce, Manteo’s Program Manager for Community and Economic Development. This collaborative spirit extended beyond town officials. Visible on stage, awaiting its reinstallation atop the building, was a meticulously recreated vertical sign – a powerful symbol of the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina‘s enduring legacy.
“We’re rebuilding the picture…that famous marquee and Pioneer vertical sign,” Basnight announced, emphasizing the commitment to restoring the theater to its former glory. The sign serves as a visual bridge to the theater’s origins, harking back to its opening at its current location in 1934. Basnight recounted the remarkable speed and community collaboration involved in recreating this iconic feature. When design studios quoted lengthy timelines for the sign’s reconstruction, Basnight turned to Ricky Scarborough, owner of Scarborough Boatworks and a former college roommate. Scarborough, in turn, enlisted Joey Andrasen and Brit Ricketts, who embraced the challenge.
“We thought we could do it,” Andrasen shared. “We looked at a bunch of old black and white pictures. It took a couple of weeks. We still have a week or so to go on paintwork.” This rapid progress underscores the community’s dedication to the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina.
Further illustrating this community synergy, Basnight described seeking advice from John Wilson, former Manteo Mayor and retired architect. “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 marveled.
The restored vertical sign of Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina, showcasing community craftsmanship.
The visual transformations are immediately noticeable. The Elizabethan facade, a remnant of a town-wide initiative celebrating the Lost Colony’s 400th anniversary, has been replaced with an exterior that more closely resembles the theater’s original appearance. A faithful reproduction of the original marquee now graces the exterior, and this too, has an interesting story behind it.
Jose Rubio, the craftsman behind the marquee, completed the task in a single day. When cautioned by a passerby that the chosen material might crack during bending, Rubio, drawing on his experience with legendary boatbuilder Buddy Davis, confidently assured Basnight, “‘I know how to work with this stuff.'” Basnight recounted, “So within minutes, he’s got it wrapped around perfectly,” highlighting Rubio’s skill and efficiency.
Inside the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina, subtle enhancements await. A lounge area offering drinks has been added at the back of the theater. However, Basnight clarified that its operation would be mindful of the moviegoing experience, open primarily before films and carefully considered during children’s movies or screenings where movement could be disruptive. Crucially, the exceptional sound quality of the theater, a hallmark of the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina experience, has been preserved.
While the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina is envisioned as a versatile venue for plays, live music, and community events, movies remain at its core. Basnight explained the strategic decision to focus on classic films rather than first-run releases. Using “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” as an example, he illustrated the constraints of showing blockbuster movies, which would necessitate multiple daily screenings for extended periods, limiting the theater’s ability to host diverse programming like comedy nights or musical performances.
Instead, the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina will offer a curated selection of cinematic gems. Basnight emphasized the significance of the opening film, “Face in the Crowd,” noting Andy Griffith’s affection for the theater. He also announced the upcoming screening of the Humphrey Bogart classic “Casablanca” on Friday, June 2nd.
Interior view of Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina, showcasing the preserved classic ambiance.
“We want to introduce your children, the next generation, to these movies that were Oscar winners from the 50s or 60s or 40s,” Basnight articulated, underscoring the educational and cultural value of showcasing these timeless films.
The revitalized Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina aims to recreate the authentic moviegoing experience of a bygone era. The familiar aroma of freshly popped popcorn will once again fill the lobby, and the theater itself will remain a darkened sanctuary, immersing audiences in the magic of the silver screen. “We’re trying to create a vision. It feels good,” Basnight concluded, reflecting the collective satisfaction of the community. “And it felt good seeing all of you walking in here tonight.” The reopening of the Pioneer Theater Manteo North Carolina marks not just the restoration of a building, but the resurgence of a vital community hub and a celebration of Manteo’s rich heritage.
