Altria Theater Reopens this Weekend

The floors are being waxed and the furniture is being moved in as part of the finishing touches to the renovation of Altria Theater. Richmond CenterStage announced today that Altria Theater will re-open to the public on Sunday, November 2 for that evening's performance by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne. It will mark the first performance at the iconic performing arts venue since it briefly closed for the final phase of a comprehensive renovation project that cost $63 million and lasted nearly 2 ½ years.

Altria Theater, formerly known as The Mosque and Richmond's Landmark Theater, was originally opened in 1927 and is the largest performing arts theater between Atlanta and New York City, totaling approximately 180,000 square feet. Sunday's performance will be the first time arts lovers from across the area will be able to look inside the renovated theater, which is in the very final stages of its wide-ranging renovations.

Audiences can expect patron-centered amenities that include brand new restrooms, improved lighting, upgraded in-house sound and acoustics, two new patron elevators and - perhaps most appreciated by the public - 3,600+ refurbished seats with cushioned backs. Patrons will also enjoy two impressive digital marquees, with an upgraded 28-foot display on Laurel Street and a brand new wrapping marquee above the new box offices on Main Street.

The facility's infrastructure has also been greatly improved, with upgraded electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, fire alarms and fire suppression system. For historic preservation, the building's façade has been repaired and the historic tile work, floors and fountain in the building's lobby have also been fully restored. The designs and paint inside were based on historic photographs to bring it back to its original 1920s look.

Performers will also be able to see the benefits from the renovation project, with refurbished dressing rooms, a tour management office, a new crew room with a kitchenette, a new stage floor, a brand new curtain, a wardrobe area with a laundry room and over 50 set lines, which will allow complex scenery and set pieces to be moved much more efficiently.

In addition, Altria Theater will feature much-needed upgrades to the building's ballroom on the basement level, including a new bar area, a temporary stage and a catering kitchen capable of providing food for more than 1,000 guests. The ballroom can accommodate up to 750 guests seated for dinner at a banquet, reception or other private event. When not used during performances, six lounges will also be available for private events, complete with upgraded concessions and furnishings.

"Richmond CenterStage is incredibly grateful to the City of Richmond as well as to all of the individuals, foundations and corporate partners - particularly Altria and Dominion - for their generosity in making this renovation project possible," said Steve Rogers, Chairman of Richmond CenterStage's Board of Directors. "We absolutely cannot wait to welcome audiences back to the grand re-opening of one of the most iconic arts venues on the East Coast, and Richmond CenterStage is proud to call Altria Theater one of our signature venues."

Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones added, "The re-opening of Altria Theater is another successful example of public-private partnerships in the City. This renovation will ensure that future generations of Richmonders will create memories for a lifetime similar to those of past generations. This iconic theater is important to the economic and cultural vitality of Richmond, and will continue to be a place where Richmonders and visitors to our city can enjoy world-class theater performances, concerts and speakers."

Boston-based Wilson Butler Architects, one of the country's leading architecture firms specializing in performing arts facilities, led the design efforts associated with the renovation. The same architectural team designed Richmond CenterStage's other facility on E. Grace Street six years ago, which includes Carpenter Theatre, Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse and Rhythm Hall. "Altria Theater truly is a treasure and a one of a kind experience," said Bruce Herrmann AIA, Director of Wilson Butler Architects. "Over the course of three years, the theater has been restored to its authentic and original design and brought into the 21st Century. The opportunity was to create a genuinely memorable experience and provide a few new discoveries for patrons to find every time they come."

The general contractor for the Altria Theater renovation was Gilbane Christman. Colin Robinson, Senior Project Manager from Gilbane Christman, added, "It has been our honor to work with RPAC, the City, and Richmond CenterStage to bring another historic Richmond landmark back to life. It is great to see a piece of history in your own community revitalized and ready for the next generation to enjoy, and we look forward to many years of success for Altria Theater."

Funds for this renovation project have been raised through the ongoing Landmark and Legacies Capital and Endowment Campaign, whose goal is to build and maintain a cultural legacy for the performing arts in the Richmond metropolitan region for generations to come. Fundraising for construction is nearly complete and the Campaign will then focus on its effort to raise an endowment of $10 million to ensure the long-term stability of the organization's programs.

Members of the general public are invited to tour the newly renovated facility on Friday, November 21 between 12:00 Noon and 8:00 p.m. Guided and self-guided tours will be available. Details will be posted in the coming weeks on our website at www.RichmondCenterStage.com.

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