“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, encouragement and generosity demonstrated by our home community,” Duell said. Mike McDowell, the theatre’s managing director, said “Together, we raised nearly $15,000 in cash and nearly $9,000 in in-kind donations from local businesses and arts supporters.” 

     “This vital, much-appreciated community support lays the groundwork for our first full season in 2026, which is also the 250th anniversary year of our nation’s founding,” he added. 

     The April 12 event was offered free of charge to all attendees. Event highlights included complimentary gourmet refreshments and the presentation of four original theatre monologues by professional actors from the region.

     The event also featured a silent auction of valuable goods and services donated by Lexington businesses and live-theatre enthusiasts from as far away as Richmond.

     The evening concluded with a spirited live-auction of original paintings and prints donated by area visual artists, enthusiastically conducted by professional auctioneer and local celebrity Cody Manspile, the 2022 Virginia State Champion Auctioneer, and the founder and owner of Lexington’s Circle C Auction Co.

A few pieces from our live auction