Celebration Tonight for Ioka Revival Effort

The Exeter Theater Company tonight is putting on a dance party to recognize the more than 1,400 people who donated money to help its goal of reviving the downtown .

The party will be held at the Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket tonight at 7 p.m. It will feature dancing, appetizers, and a cash bar. The event is sponsored by The Provident Bank and DTC Lawyers.

The theater company plans to turn the Ioka into an art house that will include two movie screens, two stages, a bar, function room, and more.

The theater, which was built in 1915, will once again become a "vital, lively theater in downtown Exeter," the company has said.

Last year Kensington philantropist Alan Lewis $600,000 at an auction to rescue the Ioka. That price was nearly double the building's assessed value. He is working with the theater company on the revival plan.

The new Ioka will show digital movie releases, independent film screenings, live music, stage performances, and live events, among other performances.

Plans include an updated lobby, handicapped-accessible restrooms, a 350-seat updated theater with new equipment, new balcony concessions area, downstairs function and performance space with an additional stage and screen, catering kitchen, and new dressing and green rooms. The main theater and the lower venue will be connected by a new interior stairway as well as a small elevator.

All of the theater company donors will be entered into a drawing tonight for two tickets to every show during the Ioka’s first year.

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