Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted. Probably because it seems like it’s always been here, and always will be. That would be The Holly Theater. And it’s as much a part of downtown Dahlonega as the Gold Museum or Hall Block or Price Memorial. Yes that warm, inviting glow of The Holly marquee has been glowing so consistently that it’s hard to believe there was a time, mostly during the late 80s, when the building sat dark, dormant and decaying.
It was even nicknamed “the bat cave” by some locals.
This wasn’t because of a Batman-1989 themed promotion. It’s because literal bats used it as their actual cave.
These days, that’s difficult to imagine. And that’s a testament to the hard work that went to rehabilitating and preserving a piece of Dahlonega history which eventually led to the big reopening in 1994.
Since then The Holly has been going strong.
It’s bright.
It’s bustling.
It’s a lively place which constantly plays host to concerts, plays and community events.
It’s a place where local residents go to express themselves on the stage and off.
It’s also a place where actors get their start.
(For example, former Holly actor Brody Grant was nominated for a Tony for his Broadway role of Ponyboy in The Outsiders last year.)
And since it’s just a packed and popular place, it’s easy to think that that’s the way it will stay.
But it doesn’t happen automatically.
There’s a lot of hard work that goes into making The Holly Theater what it is today.
It’s all because of the dedication from volunteers, board members, donors and loyal theater goers.
For that, we’d to thank them.
And we’d also like to remind readers that there’s always room for more. If you want to see how you can get involved, or just take in a show, check out hollytheater.com
Because Dahlonega is a better and brighter community because of The Holly.
And that’s something that’s worth a real standing ovation.
