FROSTPROOF, Fla. — A century-old theater is preparing to reopen Friday after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Milton.

According to staff at Frostproof's Ramon Theater, it was the first time in years they had to shut down due to a storm. 

Board President Lynd Harper was among the first to step inside the Ramon Theater the day after Milton. She said not even their murder mystery shows could have prepared her for the shocking scene.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ramon Theater in Frostproof is preparing to reopen Friday after experiencing damage from Milton

  • The storm ripped a large portion of the theater's roof 

  • If you'd like to attend Friday's show, you can purchase tickets here

“My first thought was, ‘Oh my God,’” she said. “It was just debris, roofing material all over the stage, dirt, dust, and of course, water.”

Harper said strong winds from the storm ripped off a large portion of the building’s roof.

“All you could see was daylight and rafters,” she said.

While the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce worked on repairs, the theater had no choice but to cancel shows and refund tickets. Thankfully, Harper said community members stepped in and provided alternative venues.

“We made it happen," Harper said. "We did one at the VFW Hall down the way, and our last one for New Year’s Eve, we did it at Frostproof Church of God."

Now, the theater is gearing up for its first show since the hurricane.

When Spectrum Bay News 9 arrived, electric fans were spread across the auditorium carpet after a deep cleaning. But Harper is confident the building will look as it once did come Friday.

“It’s going to be wonderful getting back to normal,” she said. 

If you'd like to attend Friday's show, you can purchase tickets here. Doors open at 7 p.m.