Tennessee Theatre surprises two-millionth visitor since '05 renovations

Brenna McDermott | Knoxville

Sam and Emily Brouse were walking into the Tennessee Theatre Tuesday night to catch opening night of the Broadway hit "The Book of Mormon."

Couple surprised as Tennessee Theatre's 2 millionth visitor Emily and Sam Brouse are surprised as Tennessee's Theatre's 2 millionth visitor

The Asheville residents were surprised when Tennessee Theatre executive director Becky Hancock stopped them in the lobby and announced they were the two-millionth (and two-millionth and one) guests to see a performance at the theater since a $30 million renovation and reopening in January 2005.

This was the first time the couple had seen a show at the theater.

Sam, 29, and Emily, 30, said they are big fans of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of the musical and TV's "South Park."

They received a prize pack including a $150 gift card for the Tennessee Theatre box office; tickets to the 2018-2019 Broadway at the Tennessee season opening show, "The King and I" including the Spotlight Club; and a copy of the book, "The Tennessee Theatre: A Grand Entertainment Palace" by Jack Neely.

Hancock also presented them with a proclamation from Mayor Madeline Rogero.

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Tracking two million guests

Hancock said the theater has been tracking visitor numbers since 2005 using online ticket sales and by a "clicker" system for free events. There was a staff person counting people as they entered the theater Tuesday night to determine the recipient.

"It's just a way to celebrate the success of the theatre and how many people in the community have been enjoying presentations that we've had here since 2005," Hancock said.

Hancock said they had anticipated the milestone would hit later in the year. The theater is celebrating its 90th anniversary during the last 90 days of 2018.

Tuesday was the first night of the six-day, eight-show run of "The Book of Mormon." Hancock said there are still tickets available for each show, but sales are strong.

"This is a big year for the theater, having entertained Knoxvillians for 90 years," she said.