Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Uptown! poised to reopen
WEST CHESTER >> The show must go on at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center.
The 327-seat venue is working toward a return to hosting shows, with social distancing, in September. The former home of the National Guard Armory recently hosted a hybrid show. About 20 patrons viewed the “Whiskey Rovers,” at the theater and also at home on laptops.
The show was a “dress rehearsal” to give staff a chance to see how the performance would be viewed and heard.
Executive Director April Evans is excited to host live performances.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back and celebrate our reopening!” she said. “It has been too long without the sounds of singing and laughing.
“September is our target but as restrictions continue to lift, it could be sooner and we’ll be ready.”
Board President Molly Morrison is excited.
“We can’t wait!” Morrison said. “We’ve heard so many expressions of anticipation from the community around the re-opening
of the theater.
“We’re so excited to bring audiences and the theater together again.”
Past Uptown! President Holly Brown is pleased to again see live shows in the borough.
“Having Uptown! in town is so convenient for everyone,” Brown said. “Many of us can walk to restaurants before or after a show and those who need to drive in have convenient parking for access to both Uptown! and
our great restaurants.”
So how did Uptown! survive the pandemic?
“Chester County really showed up in support of live theater all throughout the year of the shutdown,” Evans said. “Encouraging calls, emails, love on social media, and generous donations all let us know how
much the arts mean to the community.
“Our theatre education department, West Chester Studio at Uptown! has continued to thrive as we pivoted during the pandemic with both online and in person classes.”
Morrison said the theater is stable.
“Thanks to our members and supporters, Uptown! is in a strong position to reopen later this year, once pandemic restrictions are
lifted,” Morrison said. “We can’t wait to see everyone at the theater again!”
Brown also commented: “Thanks to our great board, dedicated staff, and loyal members and donors, we will come out of our closure as strong as ever. We are really looking forward to reopening and welcoming the community back into the theater.”
Upcoming shows include, Kim Richey, Bill Withers Reimagined, “Let’s Hang
On,” a Frankie Valli tribute, and “Kashmir,” a Led Zeppelin tribute show.
A second more intimate 86-seat theater is also located on High Street.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center is conveniently located near parking, shopping and restaurants at 226 N. High St., West Chester. Purchase tickets at UptownWestChester.org, at the box office or call 610-356-ARTS (2787).