BOCA RATON – Two theater troupes have joined forces to save the financially threatened Caldwell Theatre which is located in the $10 million Count de Hoernle Theater on North Federal Highway.
In an effort to get the theatre’s footlights shining again, two sister theatre companies – Entr’Acte Theatrix and Palm Beach Principal Players – are co-producing “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which will run for 10 performances at the Caldwell July 5-15.
The 35-year-old theatre company, which has moved from venue to venue over the years, finally found a permanent home in 2007 in the Count de Hoernle Theatre, built specifically for the Caldwell.
But the theater company is struggling to payoff its mortgage.
Its final show of the season — “Our Lady of Allapattah,” — was canceled at the last minute. Most of its advisory board members have resigned. A court-appointed receiver changed the locks in April and is seeking to lease the building. And the theater company’s bankruptcy attorney says the company is battling to stave off liquidation.
Supporters say a permanent closing of the Caldwell would be a particularly hard blow to the area’s cultural marketplace.
The theater’s mortgage lender, Legacy Bank, gave the company several chances to keep up with the payments, but ultimately filed for foreclosure in February. Scott Brenner of Brenner Real Estate Group was appointed by the court in March to oversee the theater’s finances.
A 25-person cast headed by John Justice Parker as Jesus will perform in the save-the-Caldwell show. Production dates are:
+ Thursday, July 5 – 8 p.m.
+ Friday, July 6 – 8 p.m.
+ Saturday, July 7 – 2 & 8 p.m.
+ Sunday, July 8 – 3 p.m.
+ Thursday, July 12 – 8 p.m.
+ Friday, July 13 – 8 p.m.
+ Saturday, July 14 – 2 & 8 p.m.
+ Sunday, July 15 – 3 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for reserved seating, $15 for groups and children under 12, and $10 student rush (with ID) at the door on day of show. This ticket price includes all fees. To purchase tickets, call 877.710.7779.