Ellis Theatre rehab nears completion

A “topping off” celebration is planned this morning (Wednesday) at the Ellis Theatre downtown marking the refurbishing of the Marty Stuart Congress of Country Music that includes about $4 million in state funding.

“I’m especially excited for this event because this a start for not only the Marty Stuart project but a revival for the Ellis Theatre itself,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Tim Moore. “If it wasn’t for Marty Stuart, the Ellis Theatre would not be getting the cosmetic revival it so desperately needs.” 

Amelia Henson, communication director for the Community Development Partnership, explained how thing will go. “We’ll have a few people speak, play some music, and then everyone will sign the beam before the reception,” she said. 

Once the $30 million project is completed, Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music will create a 50,000+ square foot campus that will include the Ellis Theatre, a museum, community hall, meeting and event space, and a rooftop performance venue.

Moore is really excited about the celebration. “It’s taking the Ellis Theatre to the next level. With being just a small community theatre, the upkeep of the building was something that was beginning to be hard on us,” he said. “It makes sense for us to give the theatre to the Marty Stuart project, and form a partnership with them.” 

Moore noted the project will be good for the entire community. 

“I see this being a huge impact for not only the Ellis Theatre, but for Neshoba County and Philadelphia as a whole,” he said. “I’m so glad that this is in the forward stages and it’ll be great for the city.” 

Marty Stuart’s collection of country music artifacts has over 20,000 invaluable items, and it’s the largest private collection of its kind in the world. Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music will embrace the roots of country music in its educational curriculum and programming, bringing both legendary stars and the emerging artists of tomorrow to the Ellis Theater stage.