Napa’s Lincoln Theater Struggles

The 1,200-capacity Lincoln Theater in Yountville, Calif., will host less shows in December and possibly close for good if officials can’t find a new source for funding.

Michael Madden, venue managing director, took over the job in July with a heavy debt load to work out. The death of main patron Don Carr also led Madden and staff to seek other options to keep the venue running, according to the Napa Valley Register.

“Don and [wife] Lonne have given so much to the Lincoln Theater,” Madden told the Register. “I don’t think Lonne should have to give another dollar. We have to find a way to stand on our own.

“It’s my responsibility and the community’s to figure out how to manage.”

The facility closed in 2000 to undergo a $22 million renovation project paid for with private donations. It reopened in 2005, run by the nonprofit Friends of the Lincoln Theater. Progress has been made in cutting costs but lower attendance has made it difficult, the paper said.

However, the venue chief said the “fat lady hasn’t sung yet” as efforts to keep the theatre open are ongoing.

Clint Black is scheduled to perform at Lincoln Theater Dec. 1.