October 8, 2007
Maxwell Theatre set to reopen
Augusta, Ga. – The work on Augusta State University’s Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre that kept it closed since July has been completed, and the doors will soon be open.
“We are very excited to be open again,” says Maxwell Theatre Director Kelly Thomas. “We had a productive time during the closing, and this year promises to be a great year. We will see the savings immediately from this project, and audiences will really notice the difference next spring and summer.”
The theatre was closed to install a new air handling system and to refinish the stage floor. Mr. Thomas says, “I would love to have this floor in my house. It is beautiful. It adds that something special to our concerts and events. And the air handling system is both more efficient and more capable.”
Fred Ricketson, campus architect, says parts for the 40-year-old air system had become impossible to find and, in fact, had to be made in-house when replacements were needed. The new system—which consists of one large unit instead of three smaller ones—had to be lowered into the theatre by a crane, completely disassembled, and then reassembled inside the building.
“It’s like putting 10 lbs. of sugar into a 5 lb. sack,” Mr. Ricketson says.
The Maxwell Theatre has several events scheduled in October. On Oct. 11, the theatre will host the ASU Gala Concert, an A Day for ASU event, the first major event to be held in the theatre since its reopening. Organizers hope the Gala Concert will be a showcase for the students and the newly named Department of Music, as well as the remodeling work done on the building.
The schedule for the rest of the month contains a full slate of events ranging from recitals to acrobats. Other university events taking place in the Maxwell Theatre during October are listed below.
Oct. 12: The Talich String Quartet, presented by the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society and sponsored by ASU’s Lyceum Series.
Oct. 18: The Patchwork Players, presented by the ASU Literacy Center.
Oct. 23: Faculty Recital: Martin David Jones, presented by the ASU Department of Music.
Oct. 25: An Evening of Arias and Ensembles, presented by ASU Opera
Oct. 27: Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats, presented by the Lyceum Series.
For a full schedule of events, information about the theatre, and event tickets, visit http://www.maxwelltheatre.aug.edu. For more information, call the box office at 706-667-4100. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7p.m.
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