Michael Deas believes Augusta's entertainment future can be enhanced by looking to its past.

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Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff

Michael Deas, in front of the Miller Theater, is trying to bring events back.

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Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff

Michael Deas, in front of the Miller Theater, is trying to bring events back.

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Mr. Deas has long promoted the restoration of the city's historic downtown theaters, has produced classic movie evenings at the Imperial Theatre and, most recently, established Augusta Amusements, an event production venture that takes its name from the company that once owned a big block of Augusta venues.

The first Augusta Amusements event is a screening of the Elvis Presley movie Jailhouse Rock , with performances by Elvis tribute artist Jason Sikes and the Sassy Brass band tonight at the Imperial Theatre.

Mr. Deas is encouraging patrons to dress in '50s styles and walk the red carpet. He previously presented similar programs with screenings of The Three Faces of Eve and Gone With the Wind .

"I like the idea of tying things together," he said. "That's why at these events we are having a classic movie, but also perhaps an opportunity to dress up -- something more. We want to make it an event."

Mr. Deas said the retro entertainment evenings are designed to focus attention on the city's rich theatrical history. He said that while his Augusta Amusements has no ties to the original company, which dissolved in 1968, the goals are similar.

"This is a city that was built on a number of industries," he said. "Entertainment was one of them. I don't see why it can't be that way again."

Augusta Amusements is more of a hobby than business for Mr. Deas, who sells X-ray equipment.

"Right now I put my own money into this," he said. "It's a little like Vegas. I mean, I could be one and done. But if this event is successful, I'll roll that money into the next thing. I want to give this a good honest run."

Through Augusta Amusements Mr. Deas found out about Frank Miller, the man for whom the Miller Theater was named. Mr. Miller was a member of the board of Augusta Amusements and in charge of much of the day-to-day operation of its ventures. He died in 1944, four years after the opening of his namesake theater. Mr. Deas admitted he idolized Mr. Miller, who rose from handing out programs at the Augusta Opera House to full-fledged impresario.

"Absolutely and without question," he said with a laugh. "I've become passionate about understanding anything and everything about Frank Miller. He is kind of an icon. I call him Mr. Entertainment. I only wish I had known him."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.