Here’s my follow-up on the reaction to Theater at Lime Kiln’s announcement that it will likely close this Sunday. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. — MikeA

The members of the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors didn’t expect to see Theater at Lime Kiln’s director at their meeting Monday night.

And when Tony Russell stepped up during citizen comments, what he had to say shocked them further. Because the county and the city of Lexington haven’t committed funds to save the struggling theater, Russell told them, he would recommend to the Lime Kiln board that the attraction close for good on Sunday.

Tuesday, supervisors were flabbergasted.

“It surprised us to death. We haven’t even had time to analyze the situation,” said Supervisor David Hinty, who represents the Natural Bridge District. “I reckon they was just hoping we would just throw money at it.”

Russell, who said his speech wasn’t sanctioned by Lime Kiln’s board of directors, felt he had nothing to lose. “We’re going to run out of money.” His job is to save the theater, he said. “To me, this is like a Hail Mary pass.”

While the theatrics refocused attention on the struggling theater’s plight, it’s unclear whether it will generate enough money by Friday’s meeting of the Lime Kiln board to make a difference.

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