the STADIUM THEATRE of the PERFORMING ARTS

NOV 2014

Stadium Theatre, Performing Arts Centre; the Pride of Woonsocket...By Angelo Marinosci, Jr.

At the start of my professional life I had the opportunity to work at Trinity Sq. Theatre, building scenery, designed by a world renowned set designer: Eugene Lee… Lucky me! Theatre offers so much in the way of great positive Interaction with other creatives all working toward one common goal; a vast soup poured into a funnel leading to opening night; Just great. Theatre it is second to none as an educational experience, and Rhode Islanders are very fortunate to have so many different performing arts facilities, studios and classes to choose from. On the top of my new list is the pride of Woonsocket, the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center and there’s a bright future ahead with the passing of “Question 5” on the recent ballot.

I decided to pay them a visit as there are great rumors circulating about the theatre, and it’s terrific team, and what looks to be more major renovations to add to their already beautifully restored theatre and facilities. What a glorious place to visit. First an introduction by executive Director, Cathy Levesque and the seasoned President, Armand Desmarais; then a red carpet tour by the building manager, Jim Keegan all before interviewing with Lisa Surrette, the Educational Director who I was there to meet and interview. What a great team of friendly, warm and articulate folks… very impressive and worthwhile as these folks are proud and positive in their mission.

Lisa Surrette is a sparkling example of the people you hope to meet in Theatre and especially in education, still with a twinkle in the eyes, she offered impressive numbers of the summer and year round enrollment, and the ongoing productions, performances and activities (too much too mention here) and we chatted about shared experiences in teaching and her roll as the education director at the Stadium. Amidst many distractions (she’s a busy lady) she graciously toured me through a class in progress, some of the tech-people working on stage, all spiced with joyful facts she shared with me. Soon we were joined by a member of their staff, 20 year old, Adam Landry, who amongst other roles at the Stadium Theatre, is currently directing this falls “Willy Wonka…” production as part of the Stadium’s Young Actor’s Academy, which my son is a part of so he will often sing and dance all over the house rehearsing. The young director is already deeply immersed in the life of theatre and while sharing a few smile filled sentences, I felt one of those Zen moments in life; seeing the young me, while he was speaking to the older version of himself …aha… it was wonderful.

A society can be appraised by its treatment of its own youth. As a lifelong creative, and active participant in the arts, I cannot stress how important this gem or an organization is to the area and community at large. This is a remarkable place for GREAT things to happen for young people. With it’ s expert team of terrific professionals, selfless volunteers and the over all community support, we can expect only good things can come from the Stadium Theatre, which boasts a colorful lineup of professional productions and first rate entertainment. If you haven’t already, you should visit them at 28 Monument Square, (downtown) Woonsocket, RI or on line: http://www.stadiumtheatre.com. and most of all; please support the local Arts.