Raleigh Little Theatre Warehouse Robbed Of Props

Cate Foltin, manager of the

Raleigh Little Theatre

, said 58 pieces valued at $14,000 were taken from the prop warehouse sometime last week.

Piece by piece, the thieves loaded what has taken the theater 67 years to collect. Foltin said the stolen items include vintage props -- Victorian settees, Gothic tables, oak tables and chairs, mirrors, oriental rugs and artificial plants. Many of the items are described as large and heavy, and worn from years of use.

A throne scheduled to be used in an upcoming production of Cinderella was also taken. Foltin said the show, which starts Dec. 6, will go on as planned. Items selected for the theater's next two shows are gone.

Scenic designer Richard Young said the thieves entered the warehouse through a window and began loading.

"They were extremely selective, it was not helter-skelter. They took their time -- even the stuff here on the dock they didn't take was stacked neatly," he said.

Foltin said the community theatre is asking people too keep their eyes out for the faux-finished furniture. The stolen items will need to be replaced.

"It's really going to depend on what we're going to be able to find in the community, in local thrift stores, galleries and flea markets," Foltin said.

She said the theatre is insured, but will gladly accept donations of used furniture.