Big Plans for Theatre Tallahassee
Theatre Tallahassee staff, board members and loyal supporters took a look back and a victory lap at a June 18 reception — but there are still more plans afoot and about $1 million to be raised to get it all done.
The lobby was all black, red and sparkly glitz and glam for the event, with hors d’oeuvres, wine and classic cocktails — martinis and Old Fashioneds — as refreshments. Over the summer, that lobby will be transformed into a second Coffeehouse theater space as well as other improvements thanks to a $475,000 state Cultural Facilities Grant funded by this year’s legislature and approved earlier this month by Gov. Rick Scott. Board President Kevin Doar praised Sen. Bill Montford for his efforts in securing the grant, but Montford gave credit to local attorney/lobbyist Sean Pittman and the organization itself for the ultimate success. “Your reputation is wonderful,” he said. “I know firsthand the impact you’ve had on this community.”
As part of the evening’s festivities, Theatre Tallahassee’s Artistic Director Brian Davis gave a short history of the community theater, which presented its first production, “Boy Meets Girl,” 65 years ago in 1949 at its original location at Dale Mabry airfield (now home to Tallahassee Community College). The troupe would perform for about 10 years at St. John’s Episcopal Church before building a much smaller — and un-airconditioned — theater at its current location on Thomasville Road in 1964.
Tallahassee Little Theatre would undergo expansions and improvements over the years. Most recently, the roadside sign, roof and HVAC system were replaced, the Mainstage area was remodeled, the sound system upgraded and a system to help the hearing impaired was added in 2012 thanks to a generous (and completely unexpected) $568,000 bequest made by the late Rosalie Wyman.
Additional funds are now needed for other projects, including a new box office and lobby, as well as a wine/beer/soda bar, upgrades to the bathrooms, administrative offices, updated dressing rooms and improved landscaping and parking. The group has dubbed the capital campaign “One More Act.”
As part of the effort to raise funds for the renovations, Theatre Tallahassee is presenting a female version of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” from July 10-27. For more information and tickets, call (850) 224-8474 or visit theatretallahassee.org.
