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Capital Repertory Theatre celebrates grand opening at new location

ALBANY — A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the Capital Repertory Theatre to celebrate the grand opening of the new theatre at 251 North Pearl Street on Tuesday, August 24, with a performance of “Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow” to follow.

Harold Iselin, Chair of the theREP board said, “the board is thrilled that, after a year and a half, we’re finally providing live theater to our community.”

“Our new building is the culmination of many years of hard work and determination to create a new home for our productions and educational programs. Our diverse programming will enliven downtown Albany and benefit the Capital Region as a whole,” Iselin said.

Celebrating its 40th year, theREP is the only professional resident theatre in the Capital Region. In attendance was Senator Neil Breslin, Assembly woman Pat Fahey, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Common Council President Corey Ellis, Regional Director of ESD Michael Yevoli, Representatives from MVP, Representatives from Berkshire Bank, J. Michael Boxley of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Chiquita D’Arbeau, Executive Director of the Albany Housing Authority, Associate Artist Barbara Howard, and Artistic Director of the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York and Associate Artist of theREP, Jean-Remy Monnay.

The $14 million renovation project began in 2017, when theREP announced its purchase of a former commercial bakery, and its intention to relocate from a rented facility at 111 N. Pearl St., with a goal of opening during the summer of 2020.

Construction delays due to the pandemic resulted in contractors finishing work in early 2021. The project included a 309-seat MainStage, a 70-seat black box theatre, an open lobby with concessions, and expanded support space including dressing rooms, prop and costume shops, administrative offices and a VIP lounge.   

Throughout the week theREP, a part of Proctors Collaborative, the region’s largest arts organization, will continue to celebrate their grand opening with various pre-show performances under the awning.  

Tuesday, August 24 – Jermaine Wells and band 

Thursday, August 26 – Carmen Lookshire and guitarist 

Friday, August 27 – D. Colin to perform spoken words and poetry