Rhode Island Theatre Owner Talks North Shore Music Theatre Revitilization

As previously reported by the Salem News, William Hanney, owner of Theatre By the Sea in Matunuck, Rhode Island, is in talks to purchase the building previously known as the North Shore Music Theatre.  The theatre has been out of business since June, when they announced that they were unable to raise the necessary funds and pay off their debts.

Hanney talked with Salem News of his plan: "There's got to be major changes or else we'd end up the same way they did... They were very top-heavy. They had about 60 people working there. We do very well at Theatre by the Sea, and we do it with a lot less than 60 people."

Last month Hanney reached an agreement with Citizens Bank, who overtook the North Shore Music Theatre, to buy the property. Hanney describes the property as a "top-notch facility."

Former North Shore Music Theatre executive producer, Jon Kimbell, is excited by this news and wants the theater "back up and running" and said that the theater "is in pretty good hands right now." 

Hanney's goal is to have a show in the theatre as early as Spring 2010.

To read the full article, which goes on to talk of Hanney's past experience in reviving old New England theaters, click here.