Bristol Riverside Theatre reopened earlier this week after much-needed renovation, partly funded by a state grant, writes Peter Crimmins for WHYY.
After six months of staging plays at a nearby wedding reception venue, the Bristol theater returned home with a production of Fires in the Mirror, an Anna Deavere Smith play exploring the 1991 race riots in Brooklyn.
Bristol Riverside Theatre typically produces five shows a year and hosts productions from outside companies.
The building’s appearance remains largely unchanged after the first renovation stage, with the most noticeable updates being new carpet and paint. However, comfort has improved significantly with its new roof, HVAC system, and 306 new seats.
“The HVAC backstage was leaking so bad that it looked like the set had a shower on it,” said co-producing director Ken Kaissar. “I mean, just dripping with water. These seats, we’re pretty sure, were here in 1930. Everything was on borrowed time.”
The second phase will add a balcony-level lobby overlooking the Delaware River.
A Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant covered $2 million of the $2.4 million renovation cost. The remaining funds came from a private foundation led by John Martinson, whose name the new theater now bears.
Read more about the newest chapter for Bristol Riverside Theatre in WHYY.
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