Greenwood's Taproot Theatre Reopening After Fire

A local theater that was damaged by fire in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood is preparing for its grand reopening Wednesday night.

An arsonist started a fire that destroyed the building next door to the Taproot Theatre on Oct. 23. The fire destroyed four businesses, and smoke and water damaged the Taproot Theatre.

When patrons come to the theatre Wednesday night, they will notice the building next door is gone and a mural hangs in its place.

Actors took the stage Tuesday night for the dress rehearsal of the C.S. Lewis play "The Great Divorce."

"That we can get through a period like this that is nearly devastating, this is the kind of period that shows the backbone of the organization and I'm proud of the team we have," said Scott Nolte of the Taproot Theatre.

The fire was one in a series of arson fires in Greenwood that kept residents on edge.

A man accused of setting the fires was arrested and charged.

Previous Stories: December 31, 2009: Site Of Huge Greenwood Fire Covered By New Mural November 17, 2009: Charges Filed In Greenwood Arson Spree November 13, 2009: Suspect In Custody In Greenwood Arson Fires October 29, 2009: Investigators Say Greenwood Fire Arson