Meroney Theater, Piedmont Players Theatre — Attraction in Salisbury

I did not attend the theater and on a Saturday morning, the building was locked up. But I did get a chance to see the outside and the historical marker posted on the front entrance.

The marker reads, "When Dr. L. J. Meroney and his sister Lena built the theater in 1905, its large seating capacity attracted professional troupes to Salisbury. Two of the most famous thespians of the day, the “Divine” Sarah Bernhardt and the glamorous Lillian Russell, performed on its stage. Also appearing here were “The March King,” John Philip Sousa, and the New York Symphony Orchestra. With the advent of motion pictures, part of the building was turned into a cinema; eventually the whole theater became a movie house. Through the years the theater-movie house was known by many different names: Bijou, Fotosho, Grubb, Colonial, Strand, State, Center, and lastly, Towne Cinema.

"Piedmont Players Theatre, Inc., purchased the building in 1992. After extensive renovations, they inaugurated the 1995-96 season in their new home. Once again the Meroney Theater is used for stage productions."

The plaque was erected in 2006 by the Salisbury History & Art Trail. There is street parking in front and a...

I am giving two stars as it’s a nice venue with kind staff. I was excited to see the adaptation of The Christmas Carol Musical - December 18th the last performance - as I have seen so many over four decades. Unfortunately, it was unappealing to my friend and me. I get some of the twists put into it but it didn’t illicit any laughs or even a chuckle. I didn’t enjoy the songs really. It was just off. I heard one guy laughing but I was like why is he laughing? Definitely wouldn’t go to that particular adaptation again. The worst part was an older lady constantly coughing in the seat and immediate row behind us for two hours. She did not remove herself nor was she removed. I was concerned about exposure due to the current RSV, Flu, and Covid climate and I not yet had any of those. Unfortunately, I’m writing this review from my bed as I tested positive for my first case of Covid 7 days after this experience. NOTE to people who are sick, please...

Piedmont Players is my home town theater, and I volunteered with them for several years until 1995 when they moved from Catawba College's facilities into the historic Meroney Theater downtown. Resident director and set designer Reid Leonard works wonders with the shows that are selected for each season, and talent comes in from all over the area to participate. And such talent there is here! Just saw the 2nd rendition of Ain't Misbehavin' featuring music from the Fats Waller era, and it was entertaining, fun, and just a joy to behold! I highly recommend any of Piedmont Players'...