Milton Theatre’s curtain going up for grand opening
The Milton Theatre lights up again Saturday, June 7, since going dark in 2010.
"We are excited to be part of the legacy of this great theater," said Fred Munzert, owner of Premier Centre for the Arts. "The community has really come together to see to it that this theater does not stay closed."
Middletown-based Premier Centre for the Arts spent the winter readying the theater for festivities, which begin at 6:30 p.m. and will feature a red carpet welcome, live entertainment, raffles, cash bar, and an art show, featuring artwork by Mike Bruley of Chestertown, Md., who does set design and stage work for the theater.
The theater lost all of its seating because of water damage during Hurricane Sandy; Milton residents have donated many of the moveable chairs used in the venue, Munzert said. There is a cabaret area and a small stage for more intimate shows, he said.
"Everyone in Milton is very excited; the show is just about sold out," Munzert said. "People can't wait to walk the red carpet."
At 7:45 the celebration continues with the marquee lighting and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Then at 8 the stage lights go up for a full production of the Broadway hit ‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.’
Premier Centre for the Arts offers educational programs to nurture performers. PCA students receive instruction strongly rooted in technique, and are given opportunities to perform.
"I'm very happy that they're ready to open this weekend," said Glen Howard, building owner who bought the property in 2013.
Howard said he is pleased with what the group has to offer – theater productions, musical acts, shows and possibly movies.
A music buff, Howard said he particularly liked what he saw when he visited a musical fundraiser put on by the group in Middletown.
"It was impressive to see older kids come back and play with the younger kids," he said.
Last year, centre students participated in more than 200 performances and are on pace to surpass that this year. The troupe recently performed at Disney World in Orlando.
Tickets for the opening event are $25 and are available online at www.pcade.com or by calling 302-684-3038. The Milton Theatre is at 110 Union Street in historic downtown Milton.
"It's definitely a start, and we'll see how it works," Howard said.
PCA’s Milton Theatre summer arts programs
June through August a variety of theater-related educational classes will be offered at the Milton Theatre. The centre also offers evening private music instruction and its Rock School features guitar, drums, bass, keyboard and vocal instruction. The class is 4 p.m. to 9, Tuesday. Some playing ability is required.
Go to www.pcade.com for additional information.
June 23-28
Annie Show Camp – 9 a.m. to noon, or 9 a.m. to 3, Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1, Saturday, for ages 6 to14. The cost is $140/$260.
Painting Camp – 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, for ages 8 to 16. The cost is $140 plus $20 for supplies.
July 7-12
Wizard of Oz Show Camp – 9 a.m. to noon, or 9 a.m. to 3, Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1, Saturday for ages 6 to14. The cost is $140/$260.
July 14-19
Theatre Camp, Level One – 9 a.m. to 3, Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3, Saturday and Sunday, for ages 5 to11. The cost is $260.
Theatre Camp, Level Two – 9 a.m. to 3, Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3, Saturday and Sunday, for Ages 12 through 17. The cost is $260.
July 21-26
Puppetry Show Camp – 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 3, Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1, Saturday, for ages 6 through14. The cost is $140/$26.
Cartooning Camp – 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, for ages 8 through 16. The cost is $140 plus $10 for supplies.
August 11-16
Little Mermaid Show Camp – 9 a.m. to noon, or 9 a.m. to 3, Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1, Saturday, for ages 6 through14. The cost is $140/$260.
