ALBANY – Capital Repertory Theatre held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of their new theatre at 251 North Pearl Street on Tuesday, August 24 followed by a performance of Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow.
Senator Neil Breslin, Assembly woman Pat Fahey, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Common Council President Corey Ellis, Regional Director of ESD Michael Yevoli, Representatives from MVP, Representatives from Berkshire Bank, J. Michael Boxley of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Chiquita D’Arbeau, Executive Director of the Albany Housing Authority, Associate Artist Barbara Howard, and Artistic Director of the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York and Associate Artist of theREP, Jean-Remy Monnay, were all in attendance.
theREP, now celebrating its 40th year, is the Capital Region’s only professional resident theatre. theREP announced its purchase of a former commercial bakery in 2017 and its intention to relocate from a rented facility at 111 N. Pearl St.
A $14 million renovation project ensued with a goal of opening during the summer of 2020. Construction delays due to the pandemic resulted in contractors finishing work in early 2021. The project included a 309-seat MainStage, a 70-seat black box theatre, an open lobby with concessions, and expanded support space including dressing rooms, prop and costume shops, administrative offices and a VIP lounge.
Harold Iselin, Chair of the theREP board and Managing Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig (Albany) said of the ribbon cutting, “The board is thrilled that, after a year and a half, we’re finally providing live theater to our community. Our new building is the culmination of many years of hard work and determination to create a new home for our productions and educational programs. Our diverse programming will enliven downtown Albany and benefit the Capital Region as a whole.”
Throughout the week, theREP will continue to celebrate their grand opening with various pre-show performances under the awning.
Tuesday, August 24 – Jermaine Wells and band
Thursday, August 26 – Carmen Lookshire and guitarist
Friday, August 27 – D. Colin to perform spoken words and poetry
theREP is a part of Proctors Collaborative, the region’s largest arts organization.