Mechanical Malfunction Causes Uihlein Hall to be Temporarily Suspended at Marcus Center

A complex mechanical system used to set up components of the acoustical shell in Uihlein Hall malfunctioned today while the Marcus Center Staff was moving the shell into position on the stage. The shell consists of four large pieces, 2 side sections, a back wall section and a ceiling section. This shell is extremely heavy and is moved into and out of place with a sophisticated mechanical system.

During the moving of the 27,000+ lbs. ceiling portion of the shell, a mechanical malfunction occurred causing the ceiling piece to become stuck in a mid-stage position. Engineering experts will be evaluating the situation to determine what caused the problem and what can be done to correct it. Fortunately, no one was injured during this incident. The Marcus Center will be temporarily suspending events in Uihlein Hall until the problem can be safely resolved.

"We will not reopen Uihlein Hall until we can ensure patron, employee and performer safety, " said Paul Mathews, President of the Marcus Center. "We expect to have a better understanding of how long the problem will take to correct after the engineers have completed their inspection of the shell."

Groups who may be impacted by the situation have been notified and will communicate details of potential programming changes to their patrons as necessary.

Performances and events scheduled in the Marcus Center's Vogel Hall, Todd Wehr Theater, Peck Pavilion and Bradley Pavilion will not be impacted by this incident.

ABOUT MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is owned and partially funded by Milwaukee County. The Marcus Center has been the premier entertainment destination for Milwaukee and Wisconsin since 1969. It provides the setting for outstanding cultural experiences, where the arts come to life for current and future generations. Located in the heart of the Downtown Theater District, the Marcus Center is a community facility that offers live performance of opera, ballet, children's theater, symphony and first-class national touring productions. For event information visit www.MarcusCenter.org

 

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