All those who supported or pitched in for the Regent
Theatre's $7.5 million redevelopment enjoyed a "thank you
concert" on Saturday night.
Theatre manager Sarah Anderson said instead of just having a
"dry run" they decided to make it into a bigger event with a
concert featuring Musical Theatre Dunedin's Music of the
Night.
It was the first time the stage, lighting rigs, sound system
and seats had been used.
"It was fantastic. There were no technical hitches."
A huge fundraising push was made last year, led by the
Otago Daily Times' sister publication, Dunedin
community newspaper The Star, to raise the final $2
million needed for the upgrade.
In recognition of that effort, Otago Theatre Trust chairman
Mike Shield announced the theatre's circle would be known as
the Star circle.
After the concert a function was held with a 20m banquet
table running the length of the stage over which 10
chandeliers hung and those attending were able to look at the
new facilities such as the dressing rooms and stage set up -
"what the money has been spent on".
The theatre opens to the public on August 4 for the 2011 New
Zealand International Film Festival.
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