Shakespeare theater developer chosen
RICHARD WEIZEL

STRATFORD -Alas, "All's not well that ends well."
At least not if you're among those who wanted the Shakespeare theater revived by a developer with a passion for the Bard.

On the night the Town Council finally selected a new developer to revive the long-shuttered Shakespeare Theater, the real drama came from among more than 100 people who packed Town Hall, many in vehement opposition to the choice,

William J. Hanney, owner and operator of Rhode Island's "Theatre By The Sea" was selected by the council Monday as the prime developer of the once legendary Elm Street showcase that closed in 1989.

Hanney was selected despite a recent admission he has never been to a Shakespeare play and doesn't believe the Bard can sell in the 21st Century, though he has successfully revived the Rhode Island theater that was closed for four years with musicals, comedies and contemporary plays.

Despite opposition by dozens of people, including actors and actresses, former council leaders and even a mysterious female figure dressed in red who walked regally up to the podium to urge the council not to select Hanney as the prime developer, the council voted 8-2 in favor of Hanney.

Council members Gavin Forrester, D-3 and Amy Wannamker, D-6, cast the negative votes.

"We're putting the cart before the horse because we still have to figure out how much this project is going to cost,' Forrester said.

Forrester said the council still had to hear a presentation by BL Cos., which
recently submitted an extensive feasibility study with estimates it could cost more than $19 million to revive the theater — though he town has allocated only $2.5 million.
Hanney said he will find a Shakespearean producer to put on Bard plays, as the council is requiring some Shakespeare be performed there.

"These people here tonight are clearly passionate about it, and if it sells I'm all for it," Hanney said.

But Ed Goodrich, who recently dressed up as Julius Caesar and lead a rally of residents in Shakespearean costumes at a council meeting in support of one of the other two finalists, Frank Tobin Enterprises of California, pleaded with the council Monday to reconsider awarding the contract to Hanney.

"The town's credibility and the credibility of this historic theater are at stake here,' Goodrich said. "Frank Tobin has presented the best plan for the future success of the theater."

Several speakers later, an appeal to the council got a lot more entertaining.

Adorned in a red velvet dress, gold thread crown and long white veil, a mystery woman strode up to the Town Council podium as through she were about to address the Knights of King Arthur's Roundtable.

Former Actress Susan Linsley spoke as a character who could have come right out of one of the great playwright's own dramas — but with a few humorous twists.

"I bid you greetings, gentle friends, and now to business I shall attend," Linsley said, in the singsong voice of a Shakespearean actress. "Three opponents vie to claim the ownership of the Bard's good name.

"But one thinks Shakespeare's out of date, that audiences won't pay the freight. I would suggest he go to Hel .Ena, Montana, where he could tell the Bard's alive and does he sell. "Verily, Shakespeare's themes can still appall. Regard you please, Gov. Rowland's fall. Prithee examine all your facts, so that honor will beknight your facts."

Then, veteran film and television character actor Ken Tiger, who also encouraged the council to include Shakespeare as a "major part" of the theater, got the biggest laugh — and applause of the night — when he said he had moved from Hollywood to Stratford three years ago to "come back to a more sane environment.

"But I come now to find the council about the select a new operator with no Shakespeare experience," Tiger told the council. "I've been watching you make bad decisions for the past three years, and this would be the worst one of all."

Bruce Hirsch, a member of the Arts Commission, also read a letter from actress Ellen Burstyn to local producer Louis Burke, who failed in his attempt to revive the theater during the 1990s and was among five finalists vying for another chance.

"As president emeritus of Actor's Equity Association, I offer you my thoughts about the planned redevelopment of the American Shakespeare Theater in Stratford," Burstyn writes.

"I understand the Town Council is contemplating allowing the theater to become a non-equity house," she states. "But if the council is interested in setting the highest standards for this theater, and assuring audiences will support the productions, you must ensure that the theater is clearly operating under Actors Equity regulations."

Councilman Mike Julian, R-1, whose district includes the theater, said there will be Shakespeare performed there.

"The most important thing is to get this theater back up and running, and it will have Shakespeare too," Julian said

Article courtesy of the Connecticut Post

Town of Stratford