Quincy Music Theatre is North Florida’s largest and only all-musical community theatre.[1] The 433 seat facility is also known as the Leaf Theater on Washington Street in Quincy, Florida and is considered part of Historic districts in the United States. The non-profit organization produces high quality, live musical theatre, outreach, and educational events throughout the year. In the summer, The Leaf sponsors the Children’s Summer Theatre Workshop and film events.[2]
An idyllic description of the Theater by author James Forsher: “In Quincy, Florida, 20 miles northwest of…Tallahassee the Leaf Theatre had been the town’s pride and joy ever since it opened in 1940. On opening day, Roy Rogers Helped launch a celebration of the state-of-the-art facility, complete with crying room and air conditioning.” “With the help of a million-dollar restoration grant from a local patron, the Leaf reopened as the Quincy Music Theatre…A musical theatre in the middle of a small town in the Deep South? I had my doubts when I had the opportunity of sitting in the audience during its production of Fiddler on the Roof. I can honestly say that it was one of the most enjoyable shows I had seen in years. The performers were all community residents, coming from a hundred-mile radius to perform for their friends and neighbors.” [3]
Part of The Quincy, Florida Historic District, The Leaf Theater was built in 1949. The theater was named for the economic impact of shade tobacco on the community. Since that time, other agricultural products dominate the area, but the original name remains. For many years, the theater featured great classic cinema. In the 1960s, single-screen theaters were replaced with multiplex cinemas with features such as surround sound. In 1980, the Leaf closed its doors and sat neglected downtown.[4]
