By: Dale King
My wife and I drove past the Caldwell Theatre at 7901 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton not too long ago and were horrified at the emptiness we saw.
Like most local fans of live theatre, we have been following with great interest the progress – or lack of same – by the Caldwell in its efforts to cover a debt on the Count de Hoernle Building which houses Boca’s premiere acting troupe. That red ink has basically shut down the production facility until it comes up with the cash.
As we drove by, I thought I saw a “For Lease” sign out front. And that seems to be the case. The court-appointed overseer of the bankrupt property is trying to lease it.
We keep looking for a positive light at the end of this tunnel.
If you don’t already know it, two theater companies have joined forces to save the failing Caldwell. Entr’Acte Theatrix and the Palm Beach Principal Players are co-producing “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Caldwell for a 10-performance run July 5-15. Money raised will be used to put the theatrical venue back on track.
If there ever was a must-see, this show is it. When I learned of the Caldwell’s financial troubles, I hearkened back to 2001 – the year I became a news reporter in Boca Raton – and I recalled how several cultural centers in Boca shut down that year – Jan McArt’s Dinner Theater, the Boca Pops and the International Museum of Cartoon Art.
It seemed like a dark cloud had formed over the city’s cultural community. I thought of Charlie Brown, sadly walking around with a black cloud over his head.
Now, years later, the Caldwell may meet the same fate. Stuff like this can’t happen again.
My wife and I have been fans of the Caldwell since we arrived, and have always been major theater goers. I remember writing my first theater review in 1984, and how it led to a close friendship with an actor/producer in Rhode Island, Dave Jepson. He operated a dinner theater in Pawtucket, right next door to my office. Over the years, I attended many shows with my wife or my mother. We found live theater such a wonderful form of entertainment.
Dave has since moved out of Pawtucket and relocated to Westerly, on the far west side of the state, where he and his wife still produce shows, but the dinner aspect – which was never a big money-maker – is gone.
It seems that live theater is undergoing changes all over the nation.
In Boca, the Caldwell always seemed to enjoy a special position. Certainly, there are many theater companies in the city and the area – and all are very good. But the Caldwell seemed to lead the pack.
It attracted all types of people. The Countess Henrietta de Hoernle, who sat in a designated seat at Caldwell, put up $1 million to pay for construction of the building that was named after her late husband. Madelyn Savarick, another cultural arts maven, donated money and her name adorns the stage. Dozens of other supporters could be added to the list.
The production schedule for “Jesus Christ Superstar” is:
- 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. Either that or call 877.710.7779.