THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 20, 1996 TAG: 9606180155
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 82 lines
The old Riverview Theater at 3910 Granby St. is staging a comeback.
After years of on-and-off idleness, Riverview resident Jeff Howlett is hoping to revive the movie house with a lineup of live concerts.
On May 25 he showcased area rock bands One Hot Foot and Quiver, which drew more than 300 people apiece. Beer sales benefited charities supported by the Knights of Columbus.
``It was a total success - a great turnout,'' Howlett said.
Howlett has a verbal agreement with theater owner Richard Levin to lease the venue indefinitely. Live music will be the initial attraction. On July 19, national recording artist Beliz Baha, a hip-hop jazz group from Burlington, Vt., will take the stage.
Although he has no concert production experience, Howlett, 25, says he has a vision.
``I thought about doing this a few years ago,'' he said. ``In April I went to see Beliz Baha at Friar Tuck's and had a dream that night about opening up the Riverview. I know this will work.''
But live music isn't the only activity he has planned. He eventually hopes to feature children's theater and programs.
``I want to do some puppet shows and other kids' attractions,'' Howlett said. ``I'd like to tie this in with the zoo. Families could come here before or after going to the zoo.''
Amateur boxing matches also may be added to the entertainment roster. Also, as the theater has done in the past, the site will be rented out for church revivals. Movies could be a possibility in the future, too.
``The No. 1 thing is to make some money and keep the doors open,'' Howlett said. ``The No. 2 thing is to be a positive part of a neighborhood that's going to take off soon. I grew up here. This is my home.''
Residents seem to like what their neighbor is doing and has planned. After his first concert, Howlett said he combed nearby streets to see if anyone was disturbed. According to Howlett, no one had been, with many not even hearing the show through the theater's 1 1/2-foot-thick walls.
``I'm excited to see the marquee lit again,'' said Riverview resident Rosemary Zemanian, who is on the board of the Riverview Village Business Association. ``I haven't heard of any complaints.''
Colonial Place/Riverview Civic League president Butch Christie also sees promise in the theater.
``I've heard no complaints,'' Christie said. ``It appears to me to be an improvement. The owner is trying to make a go of the theater.''
Owner Levin is also the acting president of the business association.
``I've had a lot of opportunities to lease this building, but up until now it wasn't right,'' Levin explained. ``Jeff is sincere and cares about the neighborhood. We have a gentleman's agreement. I'll take it step by step and see how it goes. He has the potential to make it successful. I'd like to see this do for the neighborhood what the Naro did for Ghent.''
The theater was built in the 1930s and seats about 750 people. Last year Levin put in new heating and refurbished the air-conditioning system. The damaged marquee is scheduled to be repaired this week.
Howlett says the theater's interior is in relatively good shape. Aided by several assistants, Howlett has been doing some basic cleanup, such as painting the offices and dressing rooms. He says the large stage will be a real plus with the performers who often play in cramped bars.
Howlett plans to start a concert hotline in the next two weeks and is advertising his upcoming shows. He says he hopes to attract initially a crowd of mostly locals in their 20s and 30s.
``I think this could be a really great place to see concerts,'' Howlett said. ``I've been putting in a lot of time and money to get this going. I've already spent $300 this month on the phone talking to bands and their agents.'' ILLUSTRATION: AT A GLANCE
June 28: One Hot Foot, Quiver.
June 29: One Finger Salute, Two Skinny J's.
July 10: Famous Unknowns, featuring Robbin Thompson, Mike Lille
and Lewis McGehee.
July 19: Coolies Hot Box, Agents of Good Root, Beliz Baha.
Ticket prices for these shows range from $7 to $10 per person. No
one under age 18 admitted. ID required. Beer and wine at selected
shows will be available for those age 21 and older.
Staff photo by MIKE HEFFNER
Jeff Howlett, left, and his assistant Daniel Allen are leasing the
Riverview Theater on Granby Street. by CNB