Opening the second act.

• Position: Eastern - Theater acquired by real-estate developer - Brief article

This time, it will be different. That's what Roanoke Rapids officials say after selling the theater that once bore the name of Randy Parton, Dolly's brother. A year ago, the city fired Parton, whose company managed the theater, saying he misused funds and failed to sell enough tickets. He also lost a $250,000-a-year gig as a performer after city officials said he showed up drunk. In October, they sold the theater to Chicago businessman LafaYette Gatling for $12.5 million--nearly $ 1 million less than it cost the city to build and equip...