Maryland Theatre Roof Repairs

Officials for the Hagerstown, Md., venue told the local Herald-Mail a 1-foot wide by 5-foot long piece of plaster fell one story into a seating area near the upper balcony and broke into several pieces – right next to some seated patrons.

“We’re very thankful that no one got hurt,” Benito Vattelana, president of the theater’s board of directors, said.

He added the 100-year-old theatre’s roof was repaired a few years ago at a cost of about $350,000 after sustaining water damage.

“You don’t see it, but it’s under the surface when there’s water damage,” he said.

Officials have contacted several contractors to assess the roof and whether it needs further repairs.

A state-funded bond helped finance the previous roof repair, the Herald-Mail reported, and the venue is in talks with city officials to secure local and state funding for additional repairs.

The theatre was hosting a Boys & Girls Club benefit performance by Christian comedian Tim Hawkins, which reportedly drew a full house.