Tally Ho Celebrates 80 Years

The movie was “Sporting Blood", the saga of a professional gambler who found himself the owner of Tommy Boy, a champion race horse who, in winning a race he wasn’t supposed to win, got his new owner, Rid Ridell, in trouble with the mob. It was the movie that launched Clark Gable’s career and it was the movie that launched the operation of the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg on Sept. 21, 1931.

This Friday, marks the 80th anniversary of the classic theater, which will be celebrated with music, stand-up comedians, a wine tasting and the launch of live entertainment every Friday night. There will also be prizes raffled off to everyone who attends, including a copy of the Tally Ho's first show, “Sporting Blood.”

Operations Manager Dave Wright admitted he was the one behind it all.

“We knew the 80th anniversary was coming this fall and we thought it would be a good time to launch Friday Night live and, with Last Ham Standing, we are going to take that and expound on it," Wright said. "That was how Friday Night Live was formed. It will include a variety of different entertainment options.”

Working closely with Stilson Greene, a graphics artist, musician, and founder of the Acoustics on the Green at the Leesburg Town Hall, the two were able to bring acoustic musician Don Chapman and singer-songwriter Taylor Berrett to share the stage with the professional performers of Last Ham Standing.

“We just started fleshing out the idea of having music, and comedy, and a local vineyard offering wine tastings," Wright said. Fabiolli Cellars will be hosting the wine, which will also be available for purchase. Wright added that Vinter Doug Fabiolli has developed a light sangria blend specifically for this weekend's occasion.

Owned at one time by the Regal chain, the Tally Ho was closed down for a while in the late 1990s, Wright said. It was reopened in 2002, showing first run films every night.

“I think it’s important to support the local businesses," Wright said. "Obviously small businesses are having the toughest times in this economy. For instance, there are three big movie complexes with 3-D and all the bells and whistles, within 15 minutes of us. But we’re still holding our own and that was something I’d always wanted to do."

While the Tally Ho may not have 12 theaters, 3-D capability, or those rocking chairs found in multiplex VIP seating, it does offer online ticket ordering on the main page of its Web site. 

Wright explained that he intends to keep the ball rolling by expanding on live acts. This Friday’s program, Wright emphasized, is family friendly with a little something for everybody.

“We’re excited to be able to put it out there for people,” Wright said.