On Friday, Feb. 28, immediately following the opening night performance of the youth production “A Thousand Cranes,” Piedmont Players Theatre unveiled a gorgeous new addition to the Norvell Theater’s lobby. Well over a hundred onlookers were in attendance to be the first to see this amazing work of art. “Dim the Lights – Season One” is a three-paneled masterpiece painted by local artist Cara J. Reische. The painting was given by Owen and Elizabeth Norvell and Edward and Susan Norvell in memory of their father, Edwin Overman Norvell and is intended to commemorate the inaugural season of Salisbury’s only all-youth theater.
Reische was in attendance on Friday along with a two of the young actors that appear in the painting, Anthony Cataldo and Molly Bourque. “What an unbelievable opportunity,” she said. “‘Dim the Lights- Season One’ was an incredible project for me as an artist, and as an illustrator. My job was to tell a visual story about the theatre through images from the opening season. As I worked on the three panels, I realized it was so much more than my opportunity. This was all about the kids. This was about living in a town where phenomenal people like the Norvells lay groundwork so that we can make the most of each day. There are highs and lows, there is drama, but it is all about opportunity, and how we celebrate it.”
The painting will be a permanent fixture in the Norvell lobby and will remain on display for the public. The Norvell Theater is located at 135 E. Fisher St.