Newport Awaits Grand Opening of the Newly-Renovated Casino Theater

By: Steven Bianco
Posted In: News

Suspense and anticipation grip Newport as Stanford White’s restored Casino Theater is due for its opening in October. For the town, the revamped theatre will be sure to encourage the art of drama within the community. For Salve Regina University in particular, the structure will prove to be an indispensable asset to its growing Performing Arts Department.

While last-minute alterations are still going underway, a year’s worth of work has placed a number of people at the edge of their seats, waiting for the reemergence of an historical icon. Last Monday, Performing Arts Director at Salve Regina University, Suzanne Delle, was pleased to accept an interview to express her opinions and knowledge on the project as well as some history on the Casino Theater itself. “We believe that the Casino Theater is the last remaining theatre in Newport from the 19th century” she says.

As told by Ms. Delle, the place had been designed and built in 1880 by Stanford White, one of the most influential architects during the Gilded Age. Aside from his work in Newport, Mr. White had been involved in constructing the Washington Square Arch and the Second Madison Square Garden in New York City, according to About.com. Over the years, the Casino Theatre proved to be an exceptional addition to the Newport Casino, featuring such performers as Oscar Wilde and Orson Welles. It was until only a little over 20 years ago that plaster had begun to fall from its ceiling and the theatre’s future turned bleak, as stated by Ms. Delle. Consequently, the locale was closed down indefinitely and, as noted by the National Trust of Historic Preservation, was labeled a “National Historic Landmark” 1987.

Without any plans for restoration or redevelopment in mind, the playhouse was left virtually abandoned and arguably forgotten. However, 2006 brought hope when the President of Salve Regina University at the time, Sister M. Therese Antone, headed an initiative to rejuvenate the Casino Theater, as mentioned by Ms. Delle. Four point five million dollars was appropriated for the project by the summer of 2009 and work began in the fall of that year. Since then, the new Casino Theater has received a modern and efficient air-conditioning system, improved electrical systems, and new theatrical supplies. At the same time, the theater’s interior, including the stage and chairs, has been left practically untouched with the intention of retaining its historical framework.

Such alterations and preservation will greatly benefit dramatic arts in Newport generally, but will especially aid Salve Regina’s theatrical activities in providing them a much larger venue than the smaller Megley Black Box. “I’m very excited for the new opportunities that will arise with the dramatic change in how many people will be able to view Salve productions” stated SRU student and Theater Major Owen Murphy in response to a question on the topic last Friday. Upon being asked of what she found most significant about the project, Ms. Delle said she believed it was “the historical nature of the building and the constraints placed on the redevelopment because of that.” Upon arriving at Salve in January of this year, Ms. Delle had taken part herself in detail work of the renovations, particularly the placement of production equipment from stage curtains to lighting. Speaking further, Delle showed enthusiasm towards the productions already scheduled to be performed at the new theatre, including the “Newport Murder Mystery” and Salve Regina University’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

As confirmed by the Newport Patch, the newly refurbished 120 year-old stage will be kicking off its premier season with “More Lives than One: Oscar Wilde and the Black Douglas,” running from Oct. 7 to the 9. Salve Regina University’s Performing Arts Department will also be starting off their 2010-2011 season at the Casino Theater with Tom Stoppard’s comedy “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” set to run from Nov. 3 to the 7.

The Casino Theater is presently looking for ushers for its first season and those interested should contact House Manager Kelsey Hughs via email at Kelsey.Hughs@Salve.edu. Show tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for Salve students and seniors. Tickets may be bought through calling the number (401)-341-2550 or online at https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/773855.