October 29, 2007
Shop Talk: Opening Night Nears
For Hanover Theatre
I think that people will find it a pleasant surprise. They won't necessarily expect something of this caliber to be in Worcester. But Worcester isn't a second-class city, so it shouldn't have a second-class arts scene.
We'll be bringing 170,000 people a year into downtown Worcester after 5 p.m. during the week and on weekends. I can expand on exactly what that will do, but the number itself kind of tells the story. At the theater I worked on in Stoneham, there were three new restaurant openings within a year. So, you'll definitely see restaurants and other businesses sprouting up in this part of downtown.
We're about 50 percent complete. I think anybody familiar with the area that has driven by when the back wall was torn down, now recognizes that the wall is back up again. We've expanded the stage to accommodate full-size Broadway shows. The steel is in place, and they're currently pouring the concrete in the lobby. They've also started the plaster restoration work.
It could be difficult, but not for us. We have not gone out to solicit at all. Everything has come to us. We have more than 40 dates on hold. As we go out to individuals and talk to agents, there is a real disbelief that there already isn't a Broadway venue in Worcester.
Primarily, the Boston Opera and the Wang Center. Secondarily, The Bushnell (in Hartford, Conn.) and the Providence Performing Arts Center (in Rhode Island). People may be looking east now, but they'll start to look west to Worcester and see that the performances are every bit as good here as they are in Boston.
We're in the middle of a leadership giving portion of the capital campaign, and will be announcing a broader public phase later this fall.
The disbelief. There was an overwhelming amount of disbelief that this project was impossible. There were so many nay-sayers. We heard a lot, 'It will never happen.'
I think we're going to give them a real leg up. My understanding is that what they (Berkley Investments, the developer) need to do is lease space before they can build. What this theater will do is bring business downtown, and then we'll see the demand for space rise.
I'd have to say my favorite is "A Little Night Music."
Conducted and edited for length by Christina H. Davis
Worcester Business Journal Staff Writer
Troy Siebels, executive director of the Worcester Center for the Performing Arts.Troy Siebels, executive director of the Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, is gearing up for the opening of the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts this spring. The $35 million project will bring life back to the former Loew's Poli Palace on Southbridge Street. The 2,300-seat venue will hopefully attract Broadway tours to downtown Worcester. Here, he discusses his background and gives an update on construction.
Troy Siebels, executive director of the Worcester Center for the Performing Arts.
How would you characterize the Hanover Theatre project to someone who's unfamiliar with Worcester?
I think that people will find it a pleasant surprise. They won't necessarily expect something of this caliber to be in Worcester. But Worcester isn't a second-class city, so it shouldn't have a second-class arts scene.
What do you think the impact will be?
We'll be bringing 170,000 people a year into downtown Worcester after 5 p.m. during the week and on weekends. I can expand on exactly what that will do, but the number itself kind of tells the story. At the theater I worked on in Stoneham, there were three new restaurant openings within a year. So, you'll definitely see restaurants and other businesses sprouting up in this part of downtown.
Can you give a construction update?
We're about 50 percent complete. I think anybody familiar with the area that has driven by when the back wall was torn down, now recognizes that the wall is back up again. We've expanded the stage to accommodate full-size Broadway shows. The steel is in place, and they're currently pouring the concrete in the lobby. They've also started the plaster restoration work.
Has it been difficult to get interest in the theater, since it isn't even open yet?
It could be difficult, but not for us. We have not gone out to solicit at all. Everything has come to us. We have more than 40 dates on hold. As we go out to individuals and talk to agents, there is a real disbelief that there already isn't a Broadway venue in Worcester.
What facilities will the Hanover compete with for business?
Primarily, the Boston Opera and the Wang Center. Secondarily, The Bushnell (in Hartford, Conn.) and the Providence Performing Arts Center (in Rhode Island). People may be looking east now, but they'll start to look west to Worcester and see that the performances are every bit as good here as they are in Boston.
Where is the project in terms of fundraising?
We're in the middle of a leadership giving portion of the capital campaign, and will be announcing a broader public phase later this fall.
What's been your biggest challenge?
The disbelief. There was an overwhelming amount of disbelief that this project was impossible. There were so many nay-sayers. We heard a lot, 'It will never happen.'
CitySquare has come under fire from some 'nay-sayers.' Do you have sympathy for the developer on that project?
I think we're going to give them a real leg up. My understanding is that what they (Berkley Investments, the developer) need to do is lease space before they can build. What this theater will do is bring business downtown, and then we'll see the demand for space rise.
What's your favorite Broadway show?
I'd have to say my favorite is "A Little Night Music."
Conducted and edited for length by Christina H. Davis
Worcester Business Journal Staff Writer
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