TriArts Buys Sharon Playhouse

Patricia Best, President of the Board of Directors of TriArts, has announced that, after renting the theatre for the past three seasons of very successful productions, TriArts has completed the long-anticipated purchase of the Playhouse complex. In addition to the theatre itself, the complex includes offices, a dormitory building, the costume shop, and the Gallery.

The price of the transaction was $350,000, comprising monies raised through the million dollar TriArts capital campaign which currently has reached the $550,000 mark. Some of the money has already been used to repair the roof of the theater and to install the required sprinkler system, which was completed before the beginning of last season's performances.

Along with Ms. Best, the capital campaign team of David Sims and William Suter have spent the past two years raising the funds needed for this purchase. The Salisbury Bank and Trust Company has supported the effort as well. Many improvements to the theater plant are contemplated. Ms. Best gratefully acknowledged the outstanding generosity and commitment of all the donors who have made a new, permanent life possible for TriArts at the Sharon Playhouse.

The biggest project being planned is the renovation and restoration of the Gallery, which will be winterized, allowing its use for workshops and productions, as well as providing much-needed rehearsal space. In its new form, the Gallery will provide a year-round setting for classes, lectures, small productions, auditions, and rehearsals.

Further improvements include upgrading the electrical system in the main theater, as well as upgrading the sound, lighting, and box office equipment. Landscaping of the grounds will be undertaken, with improvements for both the patio and the drainage systems outside.

For 2002, TriArts Celebrates America, presenting George and Ira Gershwin's Crazy For You, opening on June 27 and ending July 21. Rodgers and Hammerstein's very popular State Fair opens on August 2, running for three weeks. Both shows offer perfect musical theater fare for the whole family. As a special feature, during the run of State Fair, the grounds at the theater will be transformed into a small state fair itself, with baking contests, crafts, cotton candy, and many other pre-show attractions.

This year's Big Band Night on July 27 will emphasize the patriotic big band tunes of the World War II years, and the season will end with Divas Do America on Saturday, August 24. Volunteers to work inside and outside the theater are always welcome. For more info, visit the TriArts website at <www.triarts.net>.