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Playhouse being repair
PUTNAM — The Bradley Playhouse will be closed to the public through Nov. 15 for a major construction project to reinforce and restore the auditorium ceiling. The theatre has engaged the services of a structural engineer as well as those of a master plaster restorer to advise the theatre.
“The structure of the roof and the building are sound,” said Business Manager Patricia Green, “but we are working to identify any issues that there may be with the plaster. Our main concerns are the safety of our patrons and members, and the restoration of this wonderful old Vaudeville theatre.”
The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut, Inc., (TNECT) has been proud to call the Bradley Playhouse home since the late 1980s, and thanks to the financial support of building owners Tom and Katalin Borner, TNECT has been able to perform in this acoustically superior building since its inception.
Constructed by local businessman Ransom Bradley and opened in 1901, “The Bradley Theatre” was designed at a time when voice amplification was only achieved by use of a bullhorn or the engineering of an acoustically sound structure. Consequently the design of these turn of the century theatres was critical. Use of the hard, dense plaster was paramount in achieving the requisite acoustics. The need to maintain the integrity of this true plaster ceiling is why they sought the expertise of a qualified master plasterer.
Over the years TNECT has strived to maintain as much of the original character of the building as possible. The reconstruction of the balcony railing, for example, took a three year campaign of fund-raising and untold hours of research to determine the right way to mirror the original brass railing. So too did extensive research and attention to detail result in the reconstruction of the original 1930’s marquee. Thanks to the generous gifts from our patrons, local businesses and organizations and the Putnam Downtown Façade Improvement Program grants, The Bradley was able to reconstruct the modern marquee as closely to the original as possible.
“The Bradley has been blessed with the generosity of our supporters, whether it be the Borners or the general public,” said Green.
Responsible for the interior of the building under their rental agreement, TNECT has over the years invested over $200,000.00 in upgrades, restoration and repairs with projects such as the fire alarm system, balcony railing, marquee and the handicap accessible campaign, which includes the new bathrooms and the anxiously awaited wheelchair lift. Green is happy to report that the lift has just been delivered from the manufacturer in Canada. With the lift due to be installed in the next few weeks, when the theatre re-opens in mid- November, patrons will enjoy a variety of improvements.
The temporary closing of the theatre, however, will not cancel TNECT’s current production of Dracula,
as they have secured an alternate location for the production at the Killingly Community Center’s Little Theatre on Broad Street.
“We have been extremely lucky to receive the kindness and generosity of the theatre community and our friends and neighbors,” Green said. “We will move our production to The Little Theatre on Broad Street in downtown Danielson. Our times and dates will be the same with the exception of the cancellation of the Friday, October 18th production. We can’t thank The Little Theatre on Broad Street enough, and especially Parks and Recreation Director Tracy Wood- Waggoner and Theatre Manager Allegra Plantier for their help in solving our dilemma. Theatre in Northeastern Connecticut has always been a tight family group where we all try and help one another. This sharing of their stage for our benefit exemplifies the caring attitude and comaradiere of fellow thespians.”
“ Pomfret School has also opened their doors to The Bradley allowing auditions and rehearsal space on their campus for White Christmas. In Addition, Victoria Station owners Dave and Christina Anderson have once again given the use of their facility to us for rehearsal space, and The Congregational Church of Putnam has agreed to allow our construction team to park in their lot,” she said. “This consideration and concern is what makes Northeastern Connecticut a great place to live.”
Pat Green urged patrons to call the Bradley box office at 860-928-7887 or check the web site for more details regarding the relocation of the Dracula performances and asked that you do not call the Little Theatre on Broad Street for tickets or information. Patrons may also contact the office by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by snail mail at P.O. Box 71, Putnam, CT 06260.