Roanoke Rapids Theatre temporarily closed

Roanoke Rapids, N.C. — For over a week, the curtain has been closed at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.

City officials said they are still trying to agree on a contract with Calvin Gilmore to run the theater.

Gilmore owns the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach.

The city manager said she is concerned about the city's ability to fund Gilmore's budget requests.

The city expected Gilmore to take over by July 1.

The theater lost more than $1 million in the first three months of this year, including the costs of buying singer Randy Parton out of his performance and management contract.

The City Council agreed in February to pay Parton $546,000 to cancel his five-year contract with the music theater, which once bore his name.

Parton was banned from performing in the $21.5 million theater in December after city officials said he was intoxicated when he showed up for a show.

There was no time frame for how long the theater will be closed.