Parton Announces July Date for Roanoke Rapids Theater Debut

ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — Randy Parton will open his theater July 26 with a music variety show, the theater announced Thursday.

Parton, brother of country singer Dolly Parton, is the namesake for the theater that will anchor a planned retail and entertainment complex called Carolina Crossroads off Interstate 95 in northeastern North Carolina's Halifax County.

In a news release, Parton said he is working with film and television composers Mike Post and Velton Ray Bunch. The show "will blend humor and dancing with all genres of music," the release said.

"We are working hard to ensure that our show will be second to none," Parton said.

Theater officials also announced they holding auditions this weekend for musicians and singers for the show.

Parton entered an economic development agreement with the city of Roanoke Rapids and developers about two years ago. Under the agreement, which has raised some outside questions, Parton is to receive $1.5 million a year plus housing and vehicle amenities to manage the 1,500-seat theater.

The city borrowed $21.5 million to build the theater in hopes it would help transform an area hit hard by unemployment and poverty.