VIDEO/TOUR: A Grand New Opening for a Grand Old Theater
Reinvented Allen Theater is new home of Cleveland Play House
At long last the curtains are pulled apart and the public is welcomed into the Allen Theater at Playhouse Square. Usually a renovation effects the outer skin, but this transformation has effected the very heart of the Allen Theater. Built as a cavernous movie house, the interior space has been reconfigured to be a much more intimate experience for theater goers.
As you enter under classic Euclid Avenue marquee, then pass through the long hall of mirrors and into the Reinberger Rotunda, all looks as you would expect. But passing by the bar and into the swanky new lobby, which has moody, blue lighting, you are alerted to a change of atmosphere. Continuing on back and into the new, contemporary theater, the intimacy of the space is comforting. Through metal scrim panels, you can see the original walls of the theater, with all the decorative painting and trim, but the contemporary new space held inside the panels is where your focus is. From the stage you can confront the audience at eye level. The depth of the stage feels like it is just as accommodating as the 506 seat house!
Come along with Cool Cleveland correspondent Carol Drummond for a video tour of the unveiling of this exciting space. Watch the video here.
Compare this finished space with the video tour made in June, while the theater was under construction here.
Find out more about Cleveland Play House’s inaugural season in the Allen Theater here.
Carol Drummond has been a professional designer for 25 years. Prior to starting her award-winning graphic design studio 15 years ago, Drummond Design, she graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, worked at a graphic design studio, a video production company, and a consumer products company. She has been an art docent for Mayfield City Schools and currently serves on the COSE Arts Network Advisory Committee. http://www.DrummonDesign.com
Cleveland, OH 44115