On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre
Welcome to "On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre"—your backstage pass to the captivating history and vibrant present of one of America’s most iconic theatres! Step back in time as we explore the rich legacy of The Lincoln Theatre, a majestic Mayan Revival-style venue that first opened its doors in 1929. Nestled in the heart of Marion, Virginia, this cultural landmark has been at the center of entertainment for nearly a century, hosting everything from vaudeville acts and classic films to modern-day concerts and performances.
Join us as we pull back the curtain on the theatre’s fascinating past and dive into its current role as a cultural hub for the region. In each episode, our executive director and charismatic guide, Bob Watkins, takes center stage to share stories of the theatre’s evolution, its unforgettable moments, and the exciting events that keep audiences coming back for more. Whether you're a history buff, a theatre enthusiast, or simply curious about the arts, this podcast promises to entertain, educate, and inspire!
To learn more about The Lincoln Theatre visit:
https://www.thelincoln.org/
The Lincoln Theatre
117 E. Main Street
Marion, Virginia 24354
276-783-6092
On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre
Hometown Stage, Big Feelings: Meet Loyal Lincoln Theatre Patrons
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Meet Rachelle And Anthony
A theatre becomes a heartbeat when people build their weeks around it, and that’s exactly what’s happening at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia. We sit down with two loyal patrons who call the venue the town’s crown jewel and unpack why this 1929 landmark still pulls a crowd for films, concerts, and community moments that matter. Their stories move from a childhood horror screening that left a lasting mark to the joy of watching Animal House on a towering screen after countless living room rewatches, showing how nostalgia feels different when the room laughs with you.
We dive into the power of tribute shows—Fleetwood Mac favorites like Landslide and the enduring pull of Free Bird—where great bands meet familiar songs and an entire audience sings in unison. That blend of memory and mastery is where local stages shine, turning well-loved albums into live, shared experiences. We also highlight the volunteers and staff who make it all work, from ushers with flashlights guiding newcomers to the reliable rituals of favorite seats and friendly greetings that turn first-time visitors into regulars.
Song of the Mountains gets a special spotlight, as our guests talk about attending the PBS-taped bluegrass and Americana series in person and then catching episodes later at home. A monthly cadence brings rhythm to town life while giving artists a storied stage and audiences a trusted way to discover new acts rooted in the region. If you’re planning a visit or live nearby, thelincoln.org is your best friend for schedules and a short, engaging history that brings The Lincoln’s legacy to life. Join us for a conversation about why local theatres endure, how they bind neighbors together, and what it takes to keep that marquee glowing on Main Street. If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what show would you love to see at The Lincoln next?
To learn more about The Lincoln Theatre visit:
https://www.TheLincoln.org/
The Lincoln Theatre
117 E. Main Street
Marion, Virginia 24354
276-783-6092
Legacy Of The Lincoln
SPEAKER_00Welcome to Onstage with the Lincoln Theater, where history and entertainment steals a show. Dive into the rich legacy of this iconic mind revival theater from its 1929 debut to its starring role in Marion, Virginia's entertainment studio. Guiding us through this journey is the man in the spotlight, our executive director, Bob Watkins.
Meet The Longtime Patrons
SPEAKER_01There's something special about a theater that becomes part of the community's heartbeat. And today we're exploring exactly what that feels like. Welcome back everybody. Skip Monty, co-host slash producer, back in the studio, normally with Executive Director Bob Watkins, but today we have two very special guests because we're talking about why people like to go and what uh regular patrons think about the Lincoln. So today we are very fortunate to have with us two of those patrons, long-term patrons of the Lincoln, and that's Miss Rochelle Herringer and Mr. Anthony Cullop. Anthony, Rochelle, welcome to the show.
SPEAKER_02Thank you.
Why The Lincoln Matters
SPEAKER_01Thank you. Thank you. Well, uh, let's why don't we kick it off with uh you guys telling us what is it that you love about the Lincoln?
SPEAKER_03Oh, I'd love it. Just it's the jewel of Marion, Virginia. It's it really is. I I was gone from this little town for maybe 40 years, but moving back, meeting a young lady, and uh just just love the Lincoln, love the shows, the people. But it is, it's the crown jewel of uh of Mary.
SPEAKER_01Did you ever uh come to the Lincoln in the early days when it was just a movie theater?
SPEAKER_03Funny story I did, I think it was in 1976. I'm sure my age here, but see a horror movie on a Saturday morning at about 10 o'clock. And to this day I cannot watch a horror movie. It warped me so bad. But uh it was uh just a Dracula movie, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Wow. Now what about you, Rochelle?
SPEAKER_02No, uh I've been coming since actually since I met Anthony in 2022, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Oh well that's okay, that's all right. Yeah, but you're a regular, that's what keeps you.
SPEAKER_02Oh yeah, we we come all the time, yeah.
SPEAKER_03Oh, it is and we always come to town and look at the the marquee and see what's coming and get to schedule. We plan our plan our weeks around the uh the schedule there most of the time. But we do we've seen some great shows.
Favorite Shows And Big-Screen Magic
SPEAKER_02Yeah, everyone here is super nice and very helpful and uh the workers and the volunteers. If someone you know doesn't know where to go, they'll make sure they find it and they do have their little flashlights. We we pretty much know where we always sit, so we just go to it. We're so used to it, yes.
SPEAKER_01Does community the is is it a tradition in the community to to to go to a show at the Lincoln?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, I think so. I believe somebody asks you you what you're doing next week or next Friday or something. Going to the Lincoln, and they know you're gonna have a good time. So that you know, maybe a show, maybe stand-up comedian, just or maybe a movie like tonight. So something you some movies you just need to see on a big screen, and it it's nice to come and see.
SPEAKER_01Does any uh specific show or movie stand out in your memory as far as your favorite show that you've seen there?
SPEAKER_02No, I like the uh Billy Joel and I can't remember who's with them. And then of course uh Fleet with Mac band. I forgot. Landslide, yes.
SPEAKER_01Landslide. I was there for that. That was a great one.
SPEAKER_03I was I was probably they're coming again too.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, I think so. We're looking forward also to Leonard Skinner. Free bird is one of my favorite songs.
SPEAKER_03And that's the thing with the Lincoln, 90% of the bands that come, the cover bands, I've got that album. I know I I know the words and the the stories behind it and stuff, and that's it it's fun. That's that's fun.
SPEAKER_02And they're all very good. They are, they really are.
SPEAKER_03You know, I hate to say this and I love all the shows that we've been speaking about, but when I I got to come and watch Animal House on the big screen. And I've seen the movie probably 10, 20 times, but seeing it on the big screen, it's just hilarious. But that that really stands out with me. Sad to say. But I love all the bands. Uh love all the cover bands and the different music genres. It it's it is it's just great to come.
SPEAKER_01Well, one of the one of the big features of the Lincoln uh that's on a regular uh series that's on PBS, the Song of the Mountain. Have you guys uh ever attended that?
SPEAKER_02We have.
SPEAKER_03We have and I always several times.
SPEAKER_01Yep.
SPEAKER_03And I catch it on PBS, I think what a month or two later, whatever.
SPEAKER_01And that's yeah, I would love to come see that. I've uh and matter of fact, any of our viewers uh definitely check that out. It's it it's it uh happens once a once a month, right? Is that right?
SPEAKER_02Exactly. Yeah, we haven't been a little while, but we have been to several of those yes.
SPEAKER_03They need to check. It's like maybe the first or second first Friday or first Saturday of the month. But don't quote me on that, please.
How To Find The Schedule
SPEAKER_02We always have a schedule that there we go.
SPEAKER_01Which you can find for those viewers at home. You can check out uh uh thelincol.org, I believe, and uh I think you can get a schedule there. So check it out for sure.
SPEAKER_03It's there in the history to I this young lady printed me the history of the Lincoln yesterday, and I've read it. It's uh it's a good read. It's a good short read in the history of the building.
SPEAKER_01Well, Rochelle, Anthony, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking time out of your schedule before the show to come and talk to us and tell us why you love the Lincoln and uh wish you guys the best and hope you have a good time tonight.
SPEAKER_02All right, thank you, and you also come see us.
Closing And Community Invite
SPEAKER_00Thanks for tuning in to On Stage with the Lincoln Theater. Want more of Mary and Virginia's entertainment scene? Visit us online at thelincoln.org. Yes, that's thelincoln.org. Or drop by our theater at 117 East Main Street. Let's keep the arts alive and kicking together.