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Party on Putnam Street

It was both a hair-raising and money-raising experience Saturday evening as the “Nightmare on Putnam Street” Halloween Party was held at the Peoples Bank Theatre in downtown Marietta.

Over 200 people attended the event, with proceeds benefiting the Hippodrom/Colony Theatre Association, a nonprofit group that led the drive to restore the theater and continues to maintain it.

Smoke-breathing dragons, giant spiders, skulls, skeletons, blood … it was all in good fun and for a great cause as the theater continues to enrich the lives of people in the area by offering a wide range of shows, movies, performances and events.

“Halloween in Marietta is incredible,” said Brad Smith, technical director at the theater. “The adults get into it. It’s pretty special.

“We used to have this party at our house and now we’ve turned it into a fundraiser for the People Bank Theatre,” he said. “The party at our house was just for friends and it got too big. This is great to utilize the space at the theater for the party.”

“I love having the party here,” added LeeAndra Smith. “Now that the party is open to the public, I hope that more people will start coming and that it will keep growing.”

The stage at Peoples Bank Theatre and the two rooms below it were decorated with many of the Smiths’ Halloween decorations from over the years plus new ones in addition to the theater lighting. Many Halloween decorations were along the stage walls and suspended.

The stage became a dance area with tables surrounding it. On the perimeter were a DJ, a cash bar and buffet food that was set up on a coffin. Live music was provided by Sadie Johnson and Friends. Other entertainment was provided by illusionist and magician Kaplan the Great and DJ services by Frankster and Co. Party to Go, psychic Aeson Knight and caricature artist J.D. Williamson were set up in a room under the stage floor.

“I love this,” said Frankster, the DJ for the event. “This gets the word out about the Peoples Bank Theatre and it’s a great fundraiser for them.”

With an opportunity to get dressed up in a costume, have some fun and raise some money, it was easy to see why so many people attended. Among some popular characters in attendance included Robin Hood, pirates, beauty queens, witches, Beetlejuice, clowns, Batman, Mario, nurses, sailors, Uncle Sam, Statue of Liberty, Sherlock Holmes and even the devil himself.

Sarah Drake, a member of the theater’s Board of Directors, dressed as Sally of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” She said it was fun getting dressed up for a great cause. She thought that the party was a great way for people to have fun, support the Peoples Bank Theatre and learn more about it.

“This is our second year,” said Chuck Swaney, the theater’s manager. “We’re planning to make Halloween a bigger event for both adults and kids.”

This year the theater showed the movie “Beetlejuice,” held the “Nightmare on Putnam” party and on Oct.31 will show the cult classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

“I’ve always been a big fan of the Peoples Bank Theatre so every time they have something here that I really enjoy, I make sure I try to support it,” said Ken Weber who dressed as Beetlejuice. “Anything they do to bring interest to the community and bring people downtown, I am in favor of.”

Stacey Hall, of Marietta, enjoyed having her fortune told by psychic Aeson Knight. Hall said she is good friends with the Smiths and has come to their party for several years. She thought it was great that the party was now benefiting the theater.

“This is my first time. I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said John Edwards who dressed as a pirate for Saturday’s event. “It’s decorated fantastic. This is a great idea. Anytime you can help out the community and have a good time, it a win-win for everyone. We’ve been looking forward to this. It’s great. I love it.”

The stage was filled with Halloween costumes that made the judging difficult. Categories for the costume contest were, Scariest, Most Original, Funniest, Best Couple and Overall Winner.

“Oh, this is fun,” said Jessica Miller, who received the Most Original and Overall Winner prizes for her Edward Scissorhands costume. “I didn’t see this coming. I guess ‘Edward Scissorhands’ is a classic that people like. It feels great to get dressed up and I’m happy that this event raises some money for the Peoples Bank Theatre.”

Karen Jones, of Marietta, attended with John Stone of Little Hocking. Jones is a Peoples Bank Theatre volunteer who helps as an usher, with customer service or whatever they need her to do. She said that you can see the looks on peoples faces that have never been there before. She said some remember it from the old Colony and the look on their faces is wonderful.

“I’m having a wonderful time,” said John Stone. “This is the first time I’ve ever gone to a party like this. It’s something different for a good cause. It’s so wonderful that Marietta has this theater.”

For upcoming events at Peoples Bank Theatre, visit PeoplesBankTheatre.com.

The 2018 Nightmare on Putnam Street Halloween Costume Contest Winners:

Scariest: Max Huck, Walking Dead costume

Most Original: Jessica Miller as Edward Scissorhands

Funniest: Catherine Bandstra as Gracie Lou Freebush (Miss Congeniality)

Best Couple: Dave VanFossen and Amanda Reeder as Ace Ventura and Finkle/Einhorn

Overall Winner: Jessica Miller as Edward Scissorhands

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