In the News

The transfer of the Liberty Theatre annex ownership from the National Park Service to the City of Eunice passed the Senate on Thursday.

“With a proper restoration, this special landmark will be enjoyed for generations to come,” U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson said. “I commend Senator John Kennedy for so capably guiding this bill through the Senate and we look forward to President Biden’s signature.”

Sen. John Kennedy was the lead Senate sponsor.

“The Liberty Theatre is a historic part of Eunice’s culture. The Save the Liberty Theatre Act will cut through bureaucratic hurdles so that Eunice can restore this century-old part of their community. It was a pleasure to work with Congressman Johnson to preserve this jewel of Acadiana,” said Kennedy.

Johnson’s Save the Liberty Theatre Act passed the House on March 16 on a 422-4 vote.

The legislation now awaits President Biden’s signature.

The annex includes the only access and restrooms that are compliant with the American Disabilities Act.

A news release from Johnson stated the legislation requires the Park Service to transfer its partial ownership of the Liberty Theatre to the City of Eunice.

The Park Service owns a section of the historic venue that was constructed in recent years to provide a disabled-accessible entrance. However, efforts to restore the theatre are currently hindered by the Park Service’s ownership interest in the property.

“I think it is fantastic,” said Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot about the legislation’s passage. “Considering all the differences in Congress and the Senate to get this bill through, it is just great,” he said.
As part of the process, Fontenot testified before the House Natural Resources Committee in October 2021 via video-conference.

St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard said, “It is a great thing. There is no doubt in my mind it is going to bring back the people who once came to Eunice from other parishes and, actually, other states.”
Bellard said the parish has dedicated $500,000 in American Rescue Act money to the renovation of the theater. The City of Eunice also has dedicated $500,000 of Rescue Act money for the renovation of the theater.

Bellard said an additional $1 million has been donated for the restoration estimated to cost about $2 million.

The Park Service’s Prairie Cultural Center also has been closed due to needed repairs.

Fontenot said the Park Service is planning to reopen the center this summer.

A portion of the Liberty is owned by Paul Feavel and his wife Jean Johnson. They purchased the private side of the building Jan. 15, 2014.

In an update to the Eunice Rotary Club, Feavel said he is in hopes of the Liberty Theatre’s re-opening in 2024. This will mark the centennial year of the theater.

Feavel said, “The last show of the Rendez-Vous-Des Cajuns at the Liberty Theatre was in March 2019. The theater was shut down due to COVID and AC system issues. Feavel said that the goal is to open the Liberty Theatre again.

The Association for the Liberty Theater of Eunice has been formed as a not-for-profit community organization, with a 55-year lease with the City of Eunice. Its purpose is to restore, renovate and open the Liberty, and to identify the needs of the building and goals for the future.

The Association for the Liberty Theatre is to explore and obtain commitments of support from the City of Eunice, St. Landry Parish, State of Louisiana, and the National Park Service.
The plan is to have a grand re-opening in 2024.

The Association’s Board includes Joel Savoy, president; and members, Pat Dossman, Paul Feavel, Herman Fuselier, Celeste Gomez, Laura Pitre and Charles Seale.