The IceHouse Theatre’s renovations — largely an expanded lobby and other public space — won’t be done by the end of the summer as the theater had planned. So the theater’s 64th season will start in November. Here’s news on the changes:
The IceHouse Theatre revamps the 64th Season Schedule
Since June, the IceHouse Theatre has been undergoing a major renovation in an attractive redesign and expansion of its public space. “Due to construction complications which have slowed the timetable, we are opting to make a pro-active change in the 64th season show schedule. In lieu of opening the IceHouse before the renovation project meets its outstanding potential, we find it in the best interest of our patrons and of the facility’s functioning, to postpone our grand reopening until November 18 with our holiday musical, Annie,” comments J C. Bowling, IceHouse president.
Project designer and builder Dale Fish describes the process: “In the task of modernizing a 54-year old building, the 1950s-era construction methods have presented unpredictable challenges resulting in delays to the construction timetable.” Mr. Fish continues, “It’s a great old building and we are taking care to honor its past, even while updating it to today’s standards of comfort and convenience.”
The renovation has been initiated by a generous gift from the Sonnentag Foundation, whose philanthropy is steered by John and Carolyn Sonnentag of Mount Dora. A fundraising drive is underway to assist in the project’s cost; donors can contact the IceHouse for more information.
To accommodate the lengthening of the renovation phase until early November, the September-October performances of the comedy Breaking Legs will be relocated in the season’s schedule to May 4-27, 2012, in place of the show previously scheduled in that time slot. This alteration will shorten the season by one production.
Subscribers are being contacted this week with alternatives regarding the exchange of their fifth show tickets. Individual ticket holders are also being contacted to reschedule their seats.
The new 2011-2012 Season schedule:
- September-November: The IceHouse renovation is in progress; no performances.
- Nov. 18-Dec. 18: Annie (by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin.)
- Jan. 20-Feb. 12: Lend Me a Tenor (by Ken Ludwig)
- March 16-April 8: The Marvelous Wonderettes (by Roger Bean)
- May 4-27: Breaking Legs (by Tom Dulack)
For further information, 352-383-3133, ext. 1 or the IceHouse Box Office 352-383-4616.
