From the floodwaters...a new Theatre Cedar Rapids.

The 2008 Cedar Rapids flood devastated downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa - including the Iowa Theatre Building, home to my old stomping grounds, Theater Cedar Rapids. The building opened in 1928 as the RKO Iowa Theater - Katherine Hepburn performed there in 1940, as did Julie Harris and slew of other celebrities.

I had just been there a few weeks prior to the flood in May that year and saw the lingering affects a year later. With the help of a massive fundraising campaign, FEMA monies and the man hours of the TCR staff and volunteers, the renovated Theatre Cedar Rapids (with new marquee above) has to be one of the most beautiful community theaters in the country. Click on READ MORE! for a ton of pictures - including some from the opening weekend of "The Producers" (it just closed this past weekend).

Here's a video on the 2008 flood and the restoration that might interest you.

Box office.

This artwork (there's a name for it but I forgot it) was under the existing ceiling in the lobby.

This picture collage is a permanent fixture in the lobby, created by former artistic Director Richard Barker.

This is one of two original chandeliers that haven't hung in the theater for, I don't know, over 50 years?

The flood submerged almost 3/4's of the main theater floor. The stage - gone. The basement, which had all the electrical and heating systems, storage, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, costumers, Green Room, etc. - gone.

The new Fed Hedges Library.

Lobby with multiple plasma televisions.

The Linge Lounge (I'm not sure that's the exact name). But it's named after the Linge family, huge benefactors of the theater.

Inside the Linge Lounge.

Full concession bar.

The old restrooms featured privacy for two. Now you can have group pee's in both the men's and women's bathrooms.

"The Producers", starring (left to right): Trevor Debth, Katie Knudson and Scott Schulte.

Cast of "The Producers".

Patron imbibe in the Linge Lounge opening weekend of "The Producers".

Scott Schulte (left) and Tim Boyle of "The Producers".

Theater stalwarts, left to right: Janelle Miller, Nina Brundell (who headed up the fundraising campaign for the rennovation), June Schumacher, Paula Grady and Jan McCool.

One of my mentors, former TCR artistic director Richard Barker and his wife, Cate. Richard did the permanent photograph collage that's on display in the lobby.

Amy Friedl Stoner of "The Producers" and Janelle Lauer, musical director for the show.