Stoneham Theatre shines with a newly renovated venue
Published on July 30th, 2008
STONEHAM, MA - As it prepared to open the doors for its ninth season, Stoneham Theatre faced a relatively good problem for a business to have - wear and tear.
Since its reopening in December of 2000, the Stoneham Theatre, which has brought much drama to town, as well as comedy, music, art and great talent, has worked hard to earn that wear and tear to its space. Over 250,000 people have passed under the marquis and through the doors of this building whose own long history could be satirized on stage.
On July 23, the Stoneham Theatre opened its doors to patrons, donors, and guests to show off its renovated lobby, theatre and gallery, just in time to kick of the theatre's summer concert series and ninth season.
New paint and carpet welcome visitors into the theatre lobby, and extend into the theatre space which also boasts new sound panels for improved acoustics. The lobby's concession area has been improved with new paint and flooring, and a narrower counter space to free up more space for patrons to mill around during intermissions.
Another new feature is the result of a partnership forged between Stoneham Theatre and the Griffin Museum of Photography of Winchester. The Griffin Museum's Atelier Gallery at the Stoneham Theatre has made its home in the gallery space adjacent to the lobby. Currently on display is the exhibit of Fran Forman photographs, called Fran Forman's Alchemy of Memory which extends to August 20, 2008. An opening reception with the artist is scheduled for August 16.
Other exciting changes to the Stoneham Theatre are behind the scenes. What once took place off site is now under the same roof. Expansion into the previously leased downstairs space, has now brought staff and actors together working under one, more efficient and logistically sound roof.
The basement of Stoneham Theatre now boasts new offices, two large rehearsal spaces, a costume shop, and dressing rooms. Previously, staff worked out of offices further down Main Street and actors rehearsed in various surrounding churches and auditoriums. One new rehearsal space is situated downstairs at the site of Stoneham's old bowling alley, a place many theatre patrons may remember well.
A campaign to replace theatre seating is the next planned renovation project. Details of the campaign are expected to be unveiled within the next 12 months.
Stoneham Theatre's summer concert series opened on July 24 with a performance from local favorite Paula Poundstone. The new acoustic sound boards were put to the test the next night with a packed house enjoying the lively music of Beatlejuice. The Count Basie Orchestra is now playing, followed by The Harry James Orchestra and the Boston Comedy Festival in August.
the young co., Stoneham Theatre's popular youth program, is also on stage in August, presenting Company, Holiday, and 42nd Street on August 7, 8, 9, 10, featuring actors in grades 10-12. The following weekend presents more from the young co. when actors in grades 4-9 take to the stage in Guys & Dolls, and Annie, Jr. Call the box office for show times and details or log onto stonehamtheatre.org.
Season 9 officially opens at Stoneham Theatre with the debut of Pageant on September 11, running through October 5. Other upcoming shows include How Many Mies to Basra?, It's a Wonderful Life, A Year With Frog and Toad, Picnic, Strangers On A Train, and to close out the season next June, And Now Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss With Judy Garland.
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