‘Our families are excited to carry that torch’

By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice on February 17, 2023

New Pioneer owners to showcase movies, music and history

The projector will keep rolling at the Pioneer Theater in Manteo, playing a variety of matinee and night shows, along with showcasing an assortment of other forms of entertainment that have been a part of the theater’s history for the past century, according to Michael Basnight, new co-owner and managing partner for the project.

On Feb. 14, the Creef family sold the iconic theater for $500,000 to a partnership between two local families, the Basnights and the Hatchell. In a Voice interview, Michael Basnight discussed his plans for the facility.

“There’ve been so many immeasurable experiences that have happened at the Pioneer Theater over the years. The Creef family has made sure that it gave us so many opportunities to get to the cinema,” said Basnight. “But if you think back though their history, they’ve had movies there. They’ve had music events there. They’ve had stand up shows there. They’ve had drama theater and plays where they worked with the Lost Colony and the local schools—we want to honor all of that.”

“Think a matinee movie for the community kids, but at the end of the movie, a quick transition over to something like a music venue,” he added.

The theater will also be open to the public as a working museum that will give viewers a cultural and historical perspective on the theater, including relics and photos from highlights of its history, like first showings of films, Andy Griffith’s movie premier and some of the theater’s old movie projectors and posters. It will also screen classic films that the Pioneer showed back in the 30’s—all the way up to the 90’s.

“Think about all the wonderful movies that we’ve all enjoyed. A lot of folks today don’t have that experience,” Basnight noted, asserting that the yearning for the type of experience the Pioneer provides is actually stronger now than ever. He noted that he and his family members are committed to preserving the theater and all its splendor, as well as the historic preservation of downtown Manteo, working in coordination with the Town and Main Street Manteo efforts.

Basnight says that this is a full circle moment for him. His grandmother, Mabel Basnight, was involved in the founding and operation of the Lost Colony, and his aunt Lebame Houston wrote and directed the play Elizabeth R which aired primarily at The Pioneer Theater. His favorite childhood memories were walking to downtown Manteo with his classmates to watch movies and eat popcorn at the Pioneer, and now he wants to preserve that for his two daughters and future generations.

“Just know that this is coming from a place of respect and passion for Manteo, for our community, and for our history. I understand the weight of the legacy and carrying on that legacy that the Creef family has held for all these years. And our families are excited to carry that torch.”

One way to preserve that legacy has already been decided on. The new owners will continue to serve the Pioneer’s particular brand of irresistible popcorn.

“Like Buddy says,” Basnight explained, “the secret ingredient to the popcorn is love.”

SEE ALSO: Manteo’s iconic Pioneer Theater has been sold

Go to comments