I read Cindy Hill’s letter to the editor from last week’s Addison Independent and the Town Hall theater she described is not the Town Hall Theater I know. I have a different point of view. The THT I know is inclusive — our audiences range from ages five to 95 and beyond. THT offers 150 events each year — plays, concerts, movies, art shows, memorial services and more.
For Town Hall Theater, the purchase of the Park Diner was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire property right next to the THT building. Here was space to grow. The long term goal is to build a new structure on the site of the Diner. The Diner was offered for sale and we were successful in purchasing it. As for specifics, we are still in the dreaming stage… What can THT 2.0 be to our town?
The current THT building will not change, but now there will be more space devoted to classes, events, storage and administration offices — maybe even a spot to get a good cup of coffee (along with a French cruller?) THT will always be a gem in the heart of Middlebury. That’s not ever changing. THT will continue to be the place where our community can come together and celebrate — and yes, even enjoy some opera now and then.
As to the revised color of the Diner, I know the color scheme is not to everyone’s liking. But it’s not permanent. The thinking was to bring some whimsy to downtown. Along with the Friday Night food truck, THT is encouraging people to come downtown during these warm summer nights. It is a spot to mingle and enjoy seeing friends and neighbors. And I thoroughly recommend the creemees being served by the food truck.
The Diner itself will be rented on a short-term basis soon to the firm involved with the downtown Middlebury tunnel project.
Walter Deverell Jr.
THT Treasurer and Board Member
Middlebury