Brawley remembered for work he did to get the Peoples Bank Theatre up and going

A man who was instrumental in making the Peoples Bank Theatre in Marietta what it is today is being remembered by those involved with the theater following his passing.

Robert "Hunt" Brawley, 63, one of the original people spearheading the project to restore the former Colony/Hippodrome Theatre, passed away on Sunday.

The Peoples Bank Theatre posted a tribute this week to Brawley, celebrating the life and legacy of their former executive director.

"While we are saddened by his loss, we are profoundly grateful for all he gave to our theatre and our community," the post said.

For more than two decades, Hunt devoted his career, his talents, and his heart to the dream of restoring Marietta’s historic theatre.

"Long before the lights came back on and audiences once again filled the seats, Hunt believed that this remarkable place belonged to the community and was worth fighting for," the post said. "Through years of fundraising, friend-raising, advocacy and unwavering determination, he helped transform that vision into the thriving performing arts stage we enjoy today."

The theater had been restored through a number of efforts and reopened in early 2016 as a venue for live music performances, stage plays, special movie showings and more.

The theater's current executive director Wendy Brewer said Brawley was the perfect person to fuel the vision of restoring and reopening Peoples Bank Theatre.

"I remember sitting with him in the apartment above the theatre 20 plus years ago, when the building was dark and deteriorating," she said. "He always had an unshakable vision for what it could be."

Although the vision could be a tough sell, Brawley never let up, she said.

"Through every challenge, and there were many, he was steady and cool," Brewer said. "His legacy will live on every time the community gathers here to experience that feeling that only live performance can bring."

Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association Board Of Directors President Matt Evans said Brawley was an early supporter of getting the theatre restored.

"He did a ton to raise awareness and ultimately raised the funds to get the theatre opened," Evans said. "He was a big driver and a large participant of the team that made it happen."

Over the past 10 years, the Peoples Bank Theatre has brought a lot of people from both inside and outside the community and generated economic benefits for the area.

It brings a unique experience for people who have never had the opportunity to be in a theater like that before as well as bringing the experience to others more readily who would otherwise have to drive to places like Columbus or Pittsburgh to see the kinds of shows they are able to present locally, Evans said.

Brawley always had enthusiasm for the project.

"He saw the vision of what we are seeing now as far as getting the doors open," Evans said.

Brawley had a musical/theatrical background, but he also understood the legal aspects of the project with grant funding, tax credits and other aspects that helped bring the project to competition.

"It was nice to have both of those in play," Evans said. "He had a general love of what we were doing and trying to make it happen.

"He saw the value it brought to the community as far as the performing arts and making it available to the local community which is huge."

Brawley's commitment extended far beyond the walls of the theater, the Peoples Bank Theatre Facebook past said.

"He was fiercely devoted to the Marietta community and generously shared his time and leadership with countless local organizations, causes, and individuals," it said. "He understood that vibrant communities are built through relationships, service, and a willingness to invest in something greater than oneself."

Because of Brawley's perseverance, generations of families have been able to experience the joy, inspiration, and connection that only live performance can bring.

"Every standing ovation, every child’s first trip to the theatre, every shared laugh, and every unforgettable performance is part of the legacy he helped create," the post said. "His vision, passion, and belief in the power of the arts will continue to echo from our stage for generations to come.

"Thank you, Hunt, for believing that our community deserved a theatre once again. Because of you, the curtain continues to rise."

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com