Colonial Theatre director honored

PHOENIXVILLE >> This year the Schuylkill River Heritage Center honored Mary Foote, the executive director at the historic Colonial Theatre, at its seventh annual Heritage Award Celebration.

“A Night at the Movies” honored Foote during a special ceremony at The Foundry Building.

Foote has been the theatre’s executive director since 1999. Working with volunteers, she has transformed the theatre into a gathering place for people of all ages.

The Colonial Theatre presents live programs, including a fall concert series and a children’s theatre program during the summer. These special events, along with the classic, independent, cult, art, and children’s films featured at the theatre, have helped to bring about Phoenixville’s renaissance.

Along with a special dinner, Greg Hytha’s band, Rhythm & Blondes, provided live music from famous movies. Jim Batty’s group, Events That Entertain, showed snippets from famous movies on several screens in the Foundry Building.

Proceeds from the event benefited upgrades to the Schuylkill River Heritage Center’s interactive kiosks, incorporating the latest 21st century technology that will benefit everyone who visits the museum. The history smartphone app features over 80 places in the region, and this will be included as part of the kiosk upgrades.

BARRY TAGLIEBER — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Barbara Cohen, executive director of the Schuylkill River Heritage Center, with 2016 honoree Mary Foote, executive director at the Historical Colonial Theatre, at the Phoenixville Foundry Oct. 6.