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Changing of the Guard at the Newberry Opera House (Page 215)

Jack Shields, Chairman of the Foundation Board at the Newberry Opera House, is announcing a change of the guard for the Executive Director. Executive Director, Molly Fortune, has announced that she is retiring from the performing arts industry after 23 years. Leaving the Opera House but not her community, Fortune has accepted a position under the Office of the Governor of South Carolina and will vacate her position at the Opera House effective April 2022.

Fortune joined the Newberry Opera House in 2015. Taking the reins from Deborah Smith, founding Executive Director, Fortune played a vital role in expanding the programming and the mission of the Opera House. In 2020, she was honored by being named Chairman of the League of Historic American Theatres Board. Fortune stated that she is taking her new position in Columbia with excitement although she will miss the never-ending joy of live entertainment. Running the Opera House is a very busy job, but her valuable insight and experience starting at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA as the Director of Restoration & Operations to Executive Director at the Newberry Opera House will serve her well in her new position.

Shields, said, “Over the past seven years Molly has steered the Newberry Opera House through a pandemic, a 25k person lunar Eclipsefest party, a Smithsonian tour through rural America, and a few missions to Mars all while bringing world-class entertainment to the Newberry stage. The Board of Directors is very sorry to see Molly go, but we are happy that she had a job offer she could not refuse. Fortune will remain in Newberry and will continue to be part of the Opera House family. We hate to see her go, but she leaves the Opera House in one of the strongest positions that it has ever been.”

During her tenure, the Opera House and its staff successfully weathered the storm of a pandemic. The Opera House went on to be the first performing arts venue in the state and one of the first in the nation, to reopen.

Through the years the Opera House has played host to thousands of performances. From Grammy winners to internationally renowned performers, to regional and local acts, such as Willie Nelson, Roberta Flack, Kansas, Wynton Marsalis, Michael Bolton, Olivia Newton-John, Flava Flav, and holograms of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly have graced the stage. The 150+ events a year range from Country, Folk, and Bluegrass to Classical, Opera, and Dance; from theatrical productions to family adventure performances featuring everything from dog showsand ice shows to puppets made of light. In addition, the Opera House brings traveling exhibits, such as the Smithsonian’s Crossroads: Change in Rural America.

Longtime board member and supporter of NOH since 1996, Tom Pope states “We will miss Molly but the Opera House staff is excellent, and the important work will continue. The Opera House is currently booking shows for next season, and we expect to have, with a little luck and no Covid, our best year ever in 2022-23. We congratulate Molly for getting a new position which she is well-suited for, and we will miss her.”

Shields noted that: “We are taking applications from qualified arts professionals for the position of Executive Director and are beginning our search immediately. Resumes can be sent [email protected] where a position description can also be requested.”

Changing of the Guard at the Newberry Opera House

2022-03-26
On: March 26, 2022
In: Community News, Entertainment

Jack Shields, Chairman of the Foundation Board at the Newberry Opera House, is announcing a change of the guard for the Executive Director. Executive Director,Continue Reading

Free event coming to Leo’s Landing

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On: March 17, 2022
In: Community News

Children of all abilities are invited to attend a free event at Leo’s Landing, an inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals Park, from 10 am toContinue Reading

Lexington County deputies have new tool to fight theft

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On: March 17, 2022
In: Public Safety

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department has a new piece of equipment to help deputies and property owners alike. Investigators have acquired an engraving machine toContinue Reading

Red Cross saves lives

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On: March 17, 2022
In: Non Profit

When the American Red Cross launched the Home Fire Campaign in the fall of 2014, it was with one objective: to prevent the tragic lossContinue Reading

McDaniels Automotive Group Golf Classic and Gala April 22 and 23

2022-03-17
On: March 17, 2022
In: Events

Events Benefit the Lexington Medical Center Foundation’s McDaniels-Pucci Cancer Fund Join the Lexington Medical Center Foundation on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23, 2022,Continue Reading

Arrest Made in Hickory Hill Homicide

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On: March 17, 2022
In: Public Safety

Chief Terrence Green is announcing the arrest of William Luis Megal King, age 27, for the 2020 murder of an elderly woman in the HickoryContinue Reading

Lexington District One hires Pearson to lead White Knoll High School

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On: March 17, 2022
In: Education

On March 15, 2022, the Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Nicholas W. Pearson as principal of White KnollContinue Reading

District announces Tim Carnahan as new Midway Elementary principal

2022-03-17
On: March 17, 2022
In: Lexington One

Lexington County School District One Superintendent Dr. Greg Little announced that Timothy Carnahan, Ed.D., will become principal of Midway Elementary School at the end ofContinue Reading

Security Federal Corporation announces special dividend

2022-03-17
On: March 17, 2022
In: Business

Security Federal Corporation (“Company”) (OTCBB: SFDL), the parent company of Security Federal Bank (“Bank”), today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a specialContinue Reading

Mullikin Law CAROLINA CUP 2022 to be two-day event in early April

2022-03-14
On: March 14, 2022
In: Events

Male Vocalist of the Year Jason Crabb to perform By W. Thomas Smith Jr. FOR THE PAST SIX YEARS the Mullikin Law Firm has beenContinue Reading

Steel Hands Brewing launches ‘Steel Paws’

2022-03-14
On: March 14, 2022
In: Events

BEER BENEFITTING CANINE FRIENDS Steel Hands Brewing is excited to announce the launch of a new charitable mission, ‘Steel Paws’. Steel Paws will provide year-roundContinue Reading

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