Carolina Theatre reopens in Charlotte after 50 years

What they're saying: "This is Charlotte's theatre. Plain and simple," says Sean Seifert, Carolina Theatre executive director. "We're the community's living room."

Driving the news: Foundation For The Carolinas will celebrate with a ribbon cutting on March 24 at 3pm, followed by a free open house until 7pm.

Catch up quick: The City of Charlotte sold the theatre to the Foundation For The Carolinas for $1 in 2012. The foundation spent $90 million and eight years restoring the venue, from recreating murals to replicating the old ceilings.

• The restoration effort to the 1927 theatre was a complex undertaking, project leaders say. Crews discovered hazards in the building, like old lead paint and contaminated underground water. COVID also delayed the progress and inflated construction costs.

What's next: The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform on Friday, March 28, at 7:30 pm. The orchestra — which had its inaugural concert at the theatre 93 years ago on March 20, 1932 — has named the show "A Homecoming."

• Local bluegrass musicians Mark and Maggie O'Connor will take the stage on Saturday, March 29 at 8pm.

Stop by: 230 N. Tryon St.

• Tickets are sold at thecarolina.com.

Go deeper: Sneak peek inside