With less than four weeks to go before Opening Night of The Muny’s 101st season, we’re getting a first look at the completion of Phase 1 of a two-year, multi-million-dollar renovation for the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor theater.
Phase 1 includes a newly rebuilt state-of-the-art stage, orchestra pit, modified sound system, light bridge, stage towers and an air circulation system. The former stage and stage towers had been in place in the 1930s.
Work on Phase 2 is ongoing and involves extensive backstage renovations, as well as the reforesting of the stage, according to The Muny’s director of operations Sean Smith.
“We will be adding seven new trees, including oak, maple and an English plane tree, which is a type of sycamore,” Smith explained, noting that each new tree is approximately 30- to 35-feet tall.
In addition, decorative shells on the building’s façade will be installed as part of Phase 2 construction, which is expected to be complete before the start of the 2020 season.
The renovation work, overseen by Tarlton Corporation, is made possible by gifts to The Muny’s Second Century Capital Campaign, a $100-million fundraising effort to help fund major capital improvements, as well as provide support, maintenance and upkeep of the 11.5-acre campus and grow the theater’s endowment. The campaign will also aid in continuing The Muny’s core mission of remaining accessible through its 1,500 free seats and Community Access Program. To date, the campaign has raised $72 million of its goal.
The Muny’s 101st season kicks off June 10 with Guys and Dolls (through June 16), followed by Kinky Boots (June 19 to 25), 1776 (June 27 to July 3), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (July 8 to 16), Footloose (July 18 to 24), Paint Your Wagon (July 27 to August 2) and Roald Dahl’s Matilda (August 5 to 11). For tickets and more information, visit muny.org.
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