Fresh from a milestone season filled with months of sold-out shows, the Greenwich Odeum is doing what every 90-year-old grand dame would like to do – take the summer off and get a much needed facelift.
Built in 1926, the venue was primarily a showcase for vaudeville acts, and the Greenwich Theater, as she was known, surely saw a lot of action in her day. Her 400-plus seats were filled with audiences eager to see touring live acts and the occasional silent movie. As vaudeville saw the end of its heyday, the building was converted to a single-screen movie cinema. By 1990, giant multiplex theaters had taken root, making smaller venues obsolete. The Greenwich Theater closed its doors and after four years of planning was reborn as the Greenwich Odeum. Of course, keeping up with the changing safety regulations regarding entertainment venues would come at a cost and The Greenwich Odeum had to halt programming for lengthy work to comply with new state fire laws, re-emerging again in 2013, stronger than before.
While the doors have been opened and closed more than a few times over the decades, the landmark Odeum now sees thousands of New Englanders come through their doors for sold-out shows. Everyone from Todd Rundgren, Art Garfunkel and Southside Johnny to comedian Jim Breuer have packed the place to capacity for one-night-only events.
Not satisfied with a successful hit season and booking national acts, the organization is about to start Phase One of extensive improvements to the venue. The group kicked off their 90th Anniversary season last October with the unveiling of the detailed plans for interior and exterior renovations from local firm Union Studio Architects.
In addition to the $9,000 raised at that fundraising event, the group recently received a series of sizeable grants from state, town and private sources for a total of $620,000. Breaking it out, the Odeum received two State Grant Awards, a $250,000 grant from the RI State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and a $28,896 grant from the RI Historical Preservation Commission (RIHPHC), a generous $343,795 capital projects grant from The Champlin Foundations, plus additional funding from The Town of East Greenwich.
Odeum Board President Dan Seca explains that this is just Phase One of a multi-year project. “It’s an aggressive renovation timeline to begin in early June and complete sometime in September.”
Case Construction will handle the long-awaited improvements to the building’s historic façade and upgrade the venue’s facilities according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Phase One plans also include expanding the lobby and making improvements to the existing concession area for the opening of the fall season. With the addition of accessible restrooms and the installation of a new assistive listening system, the venue will be compliant with current ADA regulations come fall.
This is perfect timing to end their “summer break” as the Odeum has a full performance calendar announced for fall and winter, including political satirists The Capitol Steps on November 10, singer Don McLean of “American Pie” fame on December 2, comedian Vic DiBitetto on December 3 and Tony Award Nominee Jarrod Spector on December 9. Tickets are on sale now for these events, with more artists to be announced online at theodeum.org.
With that planned facelift on the street level combined with newly announced full ownership by the Odeum Corporation, the organization seems more committed than ever to their mission to bring quality entertainment to the state.
Board vice president (and Motif contributor) Terry Shea agrees, saying, “After several years of Rhode Islanders — and East Greenwich residents in particular — waiting for the Odeum to return to full strength, we’re finally in a position to enjoy our current success and look forward to the years ahead as one of the state’s premier locations for the arts.”
You heard the man. Come fall, head on down to the Odeum at 59 Main Street, East Greenwich, grab a beer and check out a show or two. I’m sure the old girl will be happy to show off her new look!