WILKES-BARRE – The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts has been recovering from significant flood damage to the building’s lower level, but it hasn't slowed them down.
In October 2023, the theater was flooded with half a million gallons of water, reaching up to 6 feet at its highest point and causing damage to the lower level including the Mohegan Lounge, bathrooms, offices, elevator and dressing rooms.
There has been an ongoing restoration project over the past eight months to fix the issues affecting over 11,000 square feet of the historic non-profit arts theater.
The organization has continued to hold performances, but restoring the establishment to its former state is a big challenge. Audiences have been patient with long lines for facilities, but the team looks forward to improving customer experience with this major restoration.
Joell Yarmel, Executive Director of the F.M. Kirby Center, mentioned that within two weeks the building was cleaned and open for people to return, and within two months, the dressing rooms were finished.
The Times Leader viewed the damage to the theater before the sold-out Primus show on Monday, May 6, with over 18,000 expected to attend.
Joell said, “We’re saying yes to everything. We have not once said no because of the flood.”
F.M. Kirby Center has been working to keep revenue coming in, but the flood has created daily challenges for the theater. The flooding also occurred just after major changes to the management team and Kirby staff, who all rose to the occasion.
“We had all this momentum building up and to have it just completely crash was devastating,” said Yarmel.
Jim Reino, Treasurer of the Kirby Center and Chairman of the Building Committee, commented on the impressive performance of the crew in dealing with the flood.
F.M. Kirby Center will soon take a summer break starting June 3 through mid-September to complete the work to the lower level as well as address scheduled rooftop maintenance.
“We can’t keep operating without this downstairs,” said Yarmel.
The lower level will be fully replaced, with larger bathrooms and a restored lounge.
The Kirby Center experienced furniture floating through the lower level due to the strong water. The water also flowed down the stage tunnels, causing unique problems in the theater. The flooding created a setback during the post-COVID revival of the F.M. Kirby Center.
When observing the severe damage to the lower level, it's hard not to recall the 1972 Agnes flood that devastated much of Wilkes-Barre. However, if the Kirby Center could recover from that flood, they can recover from this one.
Jim Reino said, 'This situation has allowed us to reconsider some of the things we do with the bars and the shows that we haven't previously considered because we lost the bar. The experience for everyone will be improved, and once we have the extra bar and the restrooms completed, it will enhance the experience for everyone attending the show.'
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is anticipating a fresh start for the fall season, with shorter lines and improved experiences for all guests. Despite the damage, the historic Wilkes-Barre theater has persisted. The completion of the lower level restoration project will enable better service for attendees, whether it's their first visit or their 100th.
Yarmel stated, 'We will continue to push the boundaries and strive to always improve. This did not alter our daily routine, it simply added to it.'
The performance must continue.
