The Music Hall, the Seacoast’s premier performing arts center, continues to make astounding new “finds” in the discovery process of its historic restoration. Following last year’s urgent repair of the roof and stairs and the glamorous unveiling of the grand proscenium arch restored last summer, the oldest theater in NH, designated an “American Treasure,” has begun the process of restoring its expansive dome.  The stained and water damaged ceiling already has an exciting new look with large sections stripped to reveal the original neo-classic decorations, scrolls and patterned designs.

The dramatic discoveries of the past days – whole sections of ceiling including Roman-style figures brought to life – have amazed even professionals in the business. “This is the largest and most flamboyant decorative element I’ve ever had the pleasure of uncovering. And, I’ve been doing this for 17 years,” said Bryon Roesselet, architectural conservator, Evergreene Painting Studio, who, with colleague Kumiko Hisano, is executing the discovery work on the dome.  The pair specializes in the conservation of fine art and architectural ornament; decorative painting marble and metals for museums; private institutions; theaters; opera houses, and federal and municipal buildings. Among the New York firm’s notable projects are the U.S. Capitol; the Lincoln Memorial; the New York Public Library; the American Museum of Natural History; the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as landmark theaters throughout America. As the decorative layers are being revealed by Evergreene Painting Company, the renowned historic finish company out of New York City, The Music Hall’s Board of Directors and Facilities Committee have rescheduled several major projects, allowing for a comprehensive restoration of the auditorium this coming summer.

  Over the next several months, Music Hall patrons will be able to view the work in progress. The theater will close in August for several weeks of final restoration work before the restored dome and historic finishes on the balcony rail and walls are unveiled in September 2007.  “This theater holds so many wonderful secrets, and the process of restoration is bringing them all forward,” said Board President Gail VanHoy Carolan. “The Music Hall’s historic beauty is a tangible asset for the community – a great source of pride and a real draw for visitors. The theater fully restored to its 1901 splendor will add enormously to this equation.”   

Engineering Report finds Major Opportunity for Lobby Expansion — Lobby and Box Office Reconstruction to be Further Explored

In an equally important “find,” The Music Hall has learned from recent engineering reports that there are no structural beams standing in the way of a sizeable expansion of the lower lobby.  The small downstairs lobby can be extended back through the box office and under the stage to increase its size four to five times over.  “This windfall of available space in our own building gives our TMS architect John Merkle the opportunity to design a new lobby that truly complements the design of our historic theater – a social and visually pleasing gathering space that The Music Hall and the community deserve,” said Doug Nelson, Music Hall Board Member and Chair of the Facilities Committee. 

The rehabilitation and expansion of the lobby, including concessions, bathrooms, and casual seatng areas, will be music to the ears of Music Hall patrons who for years have been caught in bottlenecks in the current tight space, lined up to use the bathrooms, and missed talking to friends or buying concessions as the small lobbies become un-navigable during intermissions. 

As for when the work might be done, Music Hall Executive Director Patricia Lynch said, “Our top priority now, for this summer, is to fully reveal the stunning historic interior of the auditorium, and unveiling it for all to see and enjoy in time for the 2007-2008 season launching next Fall.  We are currently in a planning process exploring a full restoration and rehabilitation of The Music Hall. The engineering discovery takes us one step closer to a spectacular design for the enhanced arts center.”