New manager set to lead
historic Corinth Coliseum

Published Thursday, April 3
By L.A. Story Houry
Staff Writer

A piece of Corinth history has changed management as Rosemary Williams turned the Corinth Coliseum Civic Center keys over to the building's new manager Tommy Ledbetter.

The moment is a poignant one for Williams, who has managed the building and its active calendar for 27 years as a volunteer. She also serves as Executive Director of the Corinth Area Arts Council, Inc., the non-profit management organization.

The new manager is a Delta Airlines retiree and current Business Manager for the Corinth Theatre-Arts. Ledbetter, 50, said the position was offered last fall and he estimated about 15 people were interviewed before he was finally chosen. The management position for the Coliseum is an emotional one for him.

"This is sentimental for me because I grew up here -- was born and raised here -- and I spent many Saturday afternoons here at the Coliseum. There used to be a movie screen and -- back in the 60's -- I used to come and watch the Saturday afternoon matinees ... they'd show horror movies,"

Ledbetter recalled. "I also remember seeing a special showing of Gone With The Wind."

The Coliseum, located at 404 Taylor Street in downtown Corinth, opened July 4, 1924. It was constructed by Benjamin Franklin Liddon. Williams noted that the elegant National Register of Historic Places property has accommodated both live and screen performances featuring Vaudeville stars and silent screen movies back in the 1920s.

In 1981, the building was given to Alcorn County and the Corinth Area Arts Council, Inc. designated as managers and restorers of this National Register Property and Mississippi landmark. The Arts Council, Williams said, has won several State and National awards for the preservation work.

Annually, more than 40,000 people attend events within the elaborate walls of the 900-seat Coliseum. The building is one of the community's cornerstones -- and is known for being acoustically perfect. The Coliseum plays host to a wide variety of programs including Corinth Symphony Orchestra concerts; performances by Corinth Theatre-Arts; the winter season performances of by the Courthouse Bluegrass; gospel singings; church meetings; Alcorn County School District programs and performances; dance recitals; beauty revues and pageants, fund-raising benefits for a many causes; various meetings, receptions and tours.

The Coliseum has often been leased for a variety of uses by the Corinth Area Arts Council. The building has seen many improvements through the years and now offers new stage lighting, a new sound system and will have new seating in the center aisle installed this summer, according to Williams.

Inquiries regarding availability dates for the Coliseum, may now be directed to Tommy Ledbetter. He may be reached via cell phone: 662 284-7440, or Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Crossroads Playhouse: 662-287-2995.

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