Alderman Sam Shropshire and Alderman Julie Stankivic |
Braving threatening rain late in the afternoon of Sunday, April 13, the curious joined the well-wishers as Annapolis Town Crier Frederick Taylor announced the 2008 Summer Garden Theatre season and unveiling of plans for the Theatre’s major renovation program, STAGE/2.
The champagne event was held at HistoryQuest, just around the corner from the Theatre. One special attraction of the venue was the opportunity to view the site of the Summer Garden Theatre on an 1860 “bird’s eye” view of Annapolis that graces most of a wall on the third floor of the museum. At that time, only the brick portion of the building was extant; the adjacent wooden structure came later. It is significant that the event was held there, since the STAGE/2 project combines the preservation of an Annapolis waterfront landmark as well as the creation of a superior venue for presentation of artistic performances.
ASGT President Carolyn Kirby introduced board members and VIP guests in attendance, then invited the assembled crowd to wend their way one floor down for the presentation of the STAGE/2 introduction. On hand to guide people through the many new features was Michael Justin Dowling, AIA, whom ASGT hired to partner in the planning of the new site concept. Mr. Dowling has been in practice in downtown Annapolis for 27 years and has worked on prior restorations with historical significance.
Mrs. Kirby also pointed out that the project has an open-ended schedule that will provide little or no disruption to the staging of productions each summer. The first phase, expected to begin in the fall of 2008, will address deterioration of the building and the historic wall that forms the west side of the theatre itself. The overall project may extend over three years or more, much of that schedule dependent on the generosity of donors and grantors.
The full story on STAGE/2 can be found by clicking here. By May 8, it will include a thorough description and depiction of the changes and improvements that will take place. One key consideration is that ASGT has no plans for adding a roof over the stage and house – it will still be “Theatre Under The Stars!”
For full details on the 2008 season, click here. |
Mrs. Kirby talking with Charles Street neighbors Marilyn and Bob Mendez |
