Revamped Carson City theater holds 2 opening nights

Carson City’s Bob Boldrick Theater this week held two opening-night parties to celebrate its debut.

On Tuesday, a $50-per-ticket gala hosted by the Carson City Chamber of Commerce featured champagne, appetizers, the Silver Strings quartet, and a medley of musical performances by the Western Nevada Musical Theatre, directed by Stephanie Arrigotti.

“The Chamber was pleased to be able to coordinate the grand re-opening gala for the newly remodeled Bob Boldrick Theater,” said Ronni Hannaman, the Chamber’s executive director. “We were able to raise $20,300 to refresh the lobby and thank all the businesses and restaurants so giving of their time and talent to create a special evening showcasing the new lobby lighting.”

Ticket sales raised $8,000 and the rest was in-cash donations from the business community, not including the food and drink from 10 local restaurants.

“It was a fantastic event. I love that the Chamber jumped in. It was truly a community event,” said Supervisor Brad Bonkowski. “The theater is beautiful.”

On Wednesday, the city hosted a public open house for the theater, which included performances by Carson High School choir and drama, Studio E Aerial Arts, Suspect Terrane, Western Nevada Performing Arts Center, Wildhorse Children’s Theatre, and Youth Theatre Carson City.

“More than 300 people come out,” said Jennifer Budge, director, Parks, Recreation and Open Space. “It’s an amazing transformation of the space, and we’re really appreciative of all the different funding sources.”

The theater’s renovation features all-new seating, including expanded handicap-accessible seating, and paint, acoustic paneling, lighting, and flooring.

The Chamber’s contribution includes the chandeliers now lighting the lobby outside the theater.

First up in the redone theater is the Miss Carson City, Miss Douglas County & Outstanding Teens pageant Saturday.

Next weekend, the sixth annual International Film Weekend takes place, and the Carson City Symphony celebrates its 35th season, and 200th performance, with its “Balance & Nature” concert Feb. 24.