Breaking News: Hanover Theatre Ribbon Cutting
The much-anticipated Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts officially opened its doors today. Local officials and business leaders gathered at the downtown Worcester location to help cut the ribbon this afternoon.
"This is the first day," said Troy Siebels, executive director of the Worcester Center for the Performing Arts. "We think we can do a lot for this city."
Several speakers noted that the theater redevelopment product required a great deal of cooperation between private companies and local and state government.
"This is, I think, a great example of what we can do when we work together and keep at it," said Lt. Gov. and former mayor Tim Murray.
Frederick H. Eppinger, president and CEO of Worcester-based Hanover Insurance Co., said walking through the theater will give city residents a sense of pride.
"You will think differently of the city and the potential of the city we live in," he said.
The renovation of the old Loew's Poli Palace Theatre in Federal Square cost about $31 million. The restored theater has new elevators, a second floor mezzanine and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, as well as detailed plasterwork and crystal chandeliers.
The theater gets its new name from a $2 million gift it received from The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, the organization's largest gift ever. The foundation is the charitable arm of Worcester-based Hanover Insurance Group. Funds for the restoration also came from various other public and private grants, and historical restoration tax credits.
The 2,300-seat theater is at the center of many local leaders' visions of downtown revitalization. City Manager Mike O'Brien has said that the venue will generate $40 million annually in direct and indirect investments.
The opening-night act at this evening's black tie opening will be actress and singer Bernadette Peters. Other performances this month will include comic Joy Behar, Irish rock band Saw Doctors, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and the musical Hairspray. A March 27 "Worcester Performing Arts Extravaganza" will showcase area performers, and the theater will hold a free open house on March 22.
The theater was built in 1904 and went through several incarnations, including being divided into four small movie theaters in 1967. The nonprofit Worcester Center for the Performing Arts was created in 2002 to restore the building.
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