The Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau
Distributed March 2, 2001
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contact: Dana Rae DelSignore, Publicist
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(401) 222-2457
Email: ddelsignore@rilin.state.ri.us
Legislators secure $50,000 grant for Stadium Theatre
STATE HOUSE - House Majority Leader Gerard Martineau (D-Dist. 63) of Woonsocket and Sen. Paul S. Kelly (D-Dist. 30) of Woonsocket, Burrillville and North Smithfield) have secured a $50,000 legislative grant for the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket.
The legislators awarded the funds to Jeffrey Polucha, president of the Stadium Theatre Foundation, during a check presentation ceremony held Monday at the theater.
"This theater is truly an architectural and cultural jewel in the Blackstone Valley, and I am proud to have been a supporter of the restoration project," said Representative Martineau, who served as honorary chair of the theater’s Phase II Restoration Campaign.
"The City of Woonsocket is on the move, both economically and culturally," said Senator Kelly. "The re-birth of the Stadium Theatre represents a significant contribution to this city’s revival."
The grant will be used to restore the grand hall portion of the historic building, which is the last segment of the reconstruction project. The funds will be used in conjunction with a $450,000 matching Economic Development grant the foundation recently received from the federal government. So in turn, the $50,000 grant will actually provide the theatre with $100,000 in funds.
"This really is the shot in the arm we needed," said Polucha.
Local industrialist Arthur Darman built the Stadium Theatre in 1926 at a cost of $1 million. The theatre’s lobby was filled with elaborate details such as soaring arches and fluted columns, a bronze ticket counter and hand-painted frescoes and muses decorating the walls. The auditorium’s ceiling and walls were swathed in ornate designs in turquoise blue, ivory, coral and gold, and the proscenium arch was decorated with ornamental moldings and beared the stadium’s insignia.
The aim of the ambitious restoration project is to bring the theatre back to its original opulence. The frescoes and artwork were covered up in beige paint in the 1950s, and in the 1970s the theatre fell into a state of disrepair due to competition with shopping malls and movie theaters.
Since 1998, the Stadium Theatre Foundation has undertaken the Herculean task of refurbishing the theatre. So far, $1.5 million has been spent on replacing the building's electrical system, roof and heating system, and the lobby and its frescoes have been restored to its former glory. The 1,100 seat auditorium was also renovated to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The work is now in the final stages, with only the auditorium renovation work left to be completed.
"This is basically the final frontier," said Polucha, of the Stadium Theatre Foundation.
The restoration effort will culminate on September 29, when a grand re-opening gala will be held at the theater. Until then, the building will continue to host a variety of events - big screen movies, plays and concerts - and everything in between from "rock and roll to theater," said Polucha.
The re-opening gala will fall on the 75th anniversary of the theater’s original opening.
"I was delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this project to restore an historic and cultural treasure for all to enjoy," said Senator Kelly.
"The Stadium Theatre is such an important part of the community," said Representative Martineau. "I am pleased to have helped in the fundraising efforts, and look forward to seeing the project through and seeing the theater restored to its regal beauty."
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