Danville theatre set to premiere exclusive screening of Hollywood star’s documentary

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The Fischer Theatre in Danville made many announcements recently, and one is celebrating one of the town’s favorite sons. In honor of Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday, the theatre is hosting a two-day special with a never-before-seen documentary.

Van Dyke is known for the Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins and Bye Bye Birdie.

Fischer’s Interim Director, Ashton Greer, said the theatre has gotten many requests to celebrate his life.

“Everybody here really wants to celebrate [Van Dyke]. He means so much to our community. Just his story and his life and legacy,” Greer said.

The film’s director, Steve Boettcher, said Van Dyke spent a lot of his childhood coming to this place.

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“When you see the film, you’ll realize Danville built Dick Van Dyke. Literally, they contributed to who he is today and what he is about today. And it all started here in his hometown of Danville. And we are fortunate [that] Danville shared him with the rest of us,” Boettcher said.

The Fischer Theatre recently fundraised nearly $70,000 and was given $200,000 in grant money. Greer said the funds will restore its gift shop and concession area. They also plan to create greenrooms, dress rooms and bathrooms. The theatre hopes the renovations will pull in more traveling artists to its stage.

Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. said he is excited about the potential tourism from the additions.

“It’s going to be huge,” Williams Jr. said. “We will be able to have higher caliber acts. We’ll be able to do more production, and obviously, that brings more people. More entertainment for our people here, but also bring in more folks from out of town.”

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