By Dan Podehl

MILLVILLE — Chunks of the balcony are missing, the silver screen shredded, nearly non-existent.

But it’s all about to change for the Levoy Theatre.

In the words of Arthur Ogren, of Vineland’s Ogren Construction, the Levoy is ready for “extensive renovation.”

Following a groundbreaking ceremony held May 18 behind the theater located on High Street, the public had its final opportunity to tour the building’s innards before the renovation commenced the following day.

Despite a steady light rainfall, more than 50 folks were in attendance to hear that the 102-year-old entertainment venue will next open its doors to performances during the second quarter of 2011.

As for the $8.5 million project, of which $6.2 million constitute construction plans, Ogren said everything on the inside will be gutted with the exception of the walls. He also noted one of the biggest challenges is a planned basement expansion.

“Many times paperwork can be harder than the actual construction, though I don't know if that's the case here," said Ogren during the ceremony. "We have quite a job in front of us now, and it's our job to take care of it from here.

“We’ll try to preserve any historical items that can be saved.”

To date, Ogren said only asbestos abatement has been completed.

Lauren Van Embden, chairwoman of the Levoy Theatre Preservation Society, said when completed the theater will seat approximately 700 (200 balcony seats), host 80 stage performances and 80 movies a year, and feature performances by the Off Broad Street Players, the theater’s in-house theater company, and other entertainment entities.

As for employment, Van Embden said the theater aims to have eight to 12 full-time jobs, while the construction project itself will employ 150 laborers.

One individual particularly pleased to see the theater’s renovation is artist Jim Penland, owner of J.B. and Me gallery and downtown resident.

“Years ago when I moved here from Ocean City, Commissioner (Jim) Quinn, who was mayor then, told me the theater would open,” said Penland following the press conference. “Today is a wonderful day.”

When asked if the theater would spur the economy on High Street, Penland, a former Broadway dancer during the 50s, responded succinctly: “Absolutely. I’ve traveled and I’ve seen what theaters have done in California and all over the world.”

He also shared that had the Levoy not seen progress, he would have moved out of the area.

“I’m so excited,” Penland said. “Business will follow and I love the theater.”

Sharing in the excitement is Walter Webster, artistic director of The Off Broad Street Players, who are based in Bridgeton, but will make the move to the Holly City to become the theater’s in-house theater company.

For more than a decade the group has performed in church basements, fire halls and school auditoriums.

“A theater and stage like this, it gives us instant credibility and allows us to build a bigger audience,” said Webster following the press conference.

Webster also said he’s thrilled about hosting theater workshops at the Levoy.

Levoy Theatre by the Numbers:

10,000 square feet: theater’s current usable footprint

22,000 square feet: usable space after renovations (equivalent to the size of the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia)

$6.2 million: cost of construction alone

150: local construction jobs created

700: approximate number of seats

200: seats in the balcony

80,000: estimated visitors per year

8-12: number of jobs in theater operations

18: pieces that can fit in the electric orchestra pit

60 feet high: proscenium arch above the stage

15: years from the creation of the Levoy Theatre Preservation Society until the renovation groundbreaking ceremony