Milton Theatre vision: Full speed ahead

The Milton Theatre board has announced ambitious plans to purchase the historic Milton Theatre; double its capacity by rebuilding the balcony; add a state-of-the-art digital marquee, bar and box office; and upgrade lighting and sound systems.

Its $2.5 million plans are grand - almost as grand as the name it has chosen for realizing its dream: The Milton Theatre Renaissance Initiative.

The Calliope Group reopened the theatre four years ago in collaboration with the Glen Howard family, which had purchased the venue when it went dark. Since then, the group has infused the entire Milton community generally, and downtown Milton specifically, with a sustained dose of electric and creative energy.

The parade of acts - from classical quartets and magic shows featuring national-caliber performers to art shows, dramatic performances, educational programs and jazz concerts by local artists - is nothing short of dizzying. In 2018 alone, the theatre will be hosting no fewer than 300 events. That represents a major cultural and economic boost for a downtown determined to reinvent itself with fresh community thinking outside the boundaries of traditional models.

The off-centered approach of that Dogfish outfit only a few blocks away just might be contagious.

The Howard family bought the theatre with little more than faith in its potential and fascination with a strong heart beating in the center of the community for more than a century. With remarkable optimism and energy, the Calliope Group is proving the wisdom of that faith.

In four action-packed years, it has laid a firm foundation for its dream. The group will launch its grand initiative July 7 when it will ask the community, inside and outside of Milton, to pitch in generously to make it all happen. We all can, and should, help to bring an even brighter shine to the town.

The group is on its way to making downtown Milton so attractive and vibrant that even Aunt Bee, Opie, Andy and Barney would be envious.