Fox Theatre surprises Marietta businessman who is 50 millionth guest

Steven Hensley of Marietta has enjoyed many shows at the Fox Theatre over the past 40-plus years.

But on Wednesday night at about 7 p.m., Hensley got the royal treatment for making history — he was the Fox’s 50 millionth guest.

Hensley was at the Fox to see “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” with his wife, daughter and granddaughter, just settling in his seat when he was called back into the lobby and greeted with champagne (and Sprite for his granddaughter).

“It’s an honor and pretty unique to be a part of Fox history,” he said.

As part of his prize package, Hensley won an overnight stay at Georgian Terrace, a private behind-the-scenes tour of the Fox Theatre, four tickets to Wednesday evening performances of “Elf the Musical,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Sound of Music” and “The Wizard of Oz.” He also won a tiara, which he happily gifted to his granddaughter.

Hensley and his wife Chris, who own the company Electro Medical Equipment, have been going to shows at the Fox since the late 1960s. Hensley said his favorites include, “Phantom of the Opera” and “Music Man.”

In the past, they have been season ticket holders but in recent years they buy individual tickets to two to three shows a year. Hensley said they bought tickets to Cinderella months as a special treat for his granddaughter, 8-year-old Hailey.