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Crews prepping feverishly for Clooney premiere

By OWEN McNEILL, Staff Writer

Saturday, March 22, 2008 1:31 AM EDT

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Work was progressing at a frenetic pace all day Friday inside and outside the Washington Opera Theatre in downtown Maysville as crews were preparing for the premiere of George Clooney's new movie "Leatherheads."

Inside the theater, crews were busy putting the final touches to woodwork and other minor additions, adding to the already aesthetically pleasing aura of the historic building while a crew contracted with Universal Studios was placing the technical equipment needed to display a professional movie premiere equal to those of any Hollywood venue.

Maysville resident Bo Thompson, technical sound engineer with the Washington Opera Theatre was leading a crew of 12 people hired to aid Universal Studios in setting up the millions of dollars worth of equipment needed to premiere the movie.

"Myself and my crew were retained by a representative contracted with Universal to help install, test and modify technical sound and projection equipment for the premiere. We've been told the process normally takes approximately 12-14 hours to complete and I suspect that estimate is a conservative one. People rarely realize how much effort goes into the technical aspect of any production," Thompson said.

Cole Collings, a member of Thompson's crew, said, "We're really excited just to be asked to help in any small way. This is such a great opportunity for the city of Maysville. We will really be on a national stage Monday night and I personally am really excited. Everyone with this project has been so nice, but it's a serious job that takes a serious amount of work."

"There's just so much equipment it's amazing. I mean literally tons of equipment is being installed transforming this place into a first rate movie premiere venue," Thompson said.

Mike Thomas holds tickets to the premier of "Leatherheads" Friday inside of the Opera Theatre. Thomas is the executive director of the Washington Opera Theatre. -- Terry Prather/Staff

The work being performed inside is indicative of the pace surrounding the building on the outside.

Workers with Universal and Maysville Public Works were busy all day preparing the outside of the building and surrounding streets for the premiere.

Workers could be seen installing flood lights all over the area of Second Street in front of the theater. Also, large commercial generators were being installed to handle the upgrade in power requirements for the production.

Jim Fryman, director of Maysville Public Works is taking the challenge in stride.

"Right now and up to Monday, we're just preparing, helping with lighting and anything else we can do. On Monday, I suspect we will be down here all day long not to mention all night tearing everything down. Monday will be a long day," Fryman said. "We will be busy installing barricades for crowd control and barricades for the red carpet."

Assistant Police Chief Maj. Ron Rice was also on the scene in front of the theater, inspecting and preparing for the event.

"I wanted to come down here myself. It's better than pulling an officer off the street. I'm down here in case someone needs a car moved or something of that nature, not to mention the plans are so fluid for this event. They are changing by the minute it seems," Rice said. "Even with this event going on, downtown businesses are still open trying to perform their day to day activities."

Both Rice and Fryman explained that spectators will be allowed up and down Second Street up to the west side of Graves Alley. The red carpet will run from the corner of the Shugars Supply building up to the entrance of the theater. A white picket fence will separate spectators from the red carpet.

Rice asked that all spectators enter from the Sutton Street area and said a tent would be set up in front of the Limestone Building (Carlson Software) to process premiere ticket holders and the media. Rice said the media will then be processed through into the small courtyard while ticket holders will proceed on down to the first door on the left to the theater.

Additionally, Rice said public toilet facilities are located at the corner of Sutton Street and McDonald Parkway and that as of now, no vendors are scheduled to set up shop.

"We have quite a few nice restaurants in downtown Maysville and I suspect that will suffice," Rice said.

According to Rice, police will leave at least one lane open on Second Street for as long as possible on Monday but no parking would be allowed later in the day.

Rice asked that no spectators block any private drives to either residences or businesses. Two shuttle busses will run from the area of Limestone Street and Second Street to the event.

Parking will not be permitted on Second Street between Sutton and Wall streets from 7 a.m., Monday through 7 a.m., Tuesday.

Cherri Gentry with Maysville/Mason County Tourism was at the site all day Friday preparing for the event.

"I've been hanging posters all day getting ready for this premiere. I'm excited for Maysville and I believe it's going to be a blast. Right now our office is going around to all the restaurants in town picking up "to go" menus for any people from out of town including the celebrities. Our office has been working hard on this well before the announcement and I just can't wait for Monday night. It's truly going to put Maysville in a national spotlight," Gentry said.

Contact Owen McNeill at owen.mcneill@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 272.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

Mark/AZ wrote on Mar 23, 2008 11:09 AM:

" Fantastic,,,Maysville on the "National Stage". Good luck with the event! "

Janet Jewell wrote on Mar 22, 2008 6:47 PM:

" Hello, I am writing from Frankfort to extend well wishes to hosting the grand opening of Mr. George Clooney's new film, "Leatherheads". I would love to attend this wonderful exciting event, but our circumstances has limited us to very minimal outings. My husband, Tony Jewell, worked in Maysville for many years at Jockey International until the plant closed leaving us devastated as well as I am sure all of those employees from Maysville who lost their jobs. My husband still has not secured employment, but we are hoping this screening of Mr. Clooney's film will help boost the economy of Maysville and will help the great state of Kentucky.
Again, many well wishes to a grand opening night and our best regards to the many friends who lost their livelihood when Maysville lost the Jockey plant. Also, many thanks to Mr. George Clooney, his co-stars and everyone involved in bringing this attraction to Maysville.
Good Luck and have a Good Night,
Janet Jewell
Frankfort, KY "

Maxine Graybill wrote on Mar 22, 2008 5:41 PM:

" Have been reading about all the preparations for George's big night.. Wish I could be there! My brother and I were the only 'young people' at Rosemary's movie premiere back in the 50's.So get your ticket and make a memory you'll have always. Say Hi to George for me. "

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