Thanks to generous donors, Arizona Arts will celebrate the reopening of the Marroney Theatre on Feb. 29, following extensive renovations, with the opening night performance of the School of Theatre, Film & Television’s production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
The students will be performing on the newly christened stage named in honor of one of the university’s most beloved alumni, actor Craig T. Nelson.
“The reopening of the Marroney Theatre marks an important milestone for the Arizona Arts Master Plan,” said Andrew Schulz, vice president for the arts. “We have upgraded a space used by generations of theatre students and soon by our film students as well.
“I’m grateful to all our donors to the project, as well as to President Robbins and university leadership, who provided critical matching funds that were key in the success of our philanthropic efforts. We look forward to welcoming students, the campus, and audiences from across Southern Arizona to this beautifully renovated facility.”
Renovations of the front of the building include the east entry, lobby, box office and restrooms for an enhanced patron experience. The auditorium features new seating and the addition of state-of-the-art screening equipment, allowing the venue to double as one of the most technologically advanced film screening rooms in Tucson.
Recognition
Private support played an important role in making the renovations of the Marroney Theatre possible. The following spaces within the theatre recognize the significant commitment each has made to this project.
- RABBI LEE AND JANE KIVEL LOBBY
- GREGORY KNOPF BOX OFFICE
in honor of College of Fine Arts alumni - THE LEN AND DORIS CORIS FAMILY LOUNGE
A couple who wishes to remain anonymous has named THE CRAIG T. NELSON STAGE in the renovated theatre in honor of fellow University of Arizona student and Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer, Craig T. Nelson. In addition to naming the stage, the donor adds – ‘love Murph.’
Craig T. Nelson
Craig T. Nelson, an Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer, boasts a career spanning television, film, and stage. Nelson has strong ties to the University of Arizona, where he studied and honed his craft. For the past five season Nelson has been guest starring in CBS show “Young Sheldon” as ‘Dale Ballard,’ ‘Meemaw’s’ (Annie Potts) love interest. Nelson’s career highlights include his iconic role as ‘Hayden Fox’ in “Coach,” which garnered him multiple Emmy nominations and a prestigious win. He showcased his talent on Broadway in “Ah, Wilderness!” and left an indelible mark as ‘Zeek Braverman’ in “Parenthood.” His film credits include “The Incredibles,” “Poltergeist,” “The Proposal,” “Book Club,” “The Family Stone,” “I’m Not Rapport,” “Silkwood,” and “Osterman Weekend.” He and his wife, Doria, reside in Los Angeles.
“Having my name associated with the theatre named for an early mentor of mine, Peter Marroney, is a humbling honor. I am incredibly grateful to “Murph” and her husband whose gift to the College of Fine Arts at the University of Arizona that named the stage in my honor, thank you. To the students who will benefit from this renewed facility – follow your heart and dreams as you embark on a wonderful vocation that has given me so much.”
Renovations
State-of-the-art theatre seats (303), chosen to update the aesthetic of the facility, but also harmonize with the original woodwork in the auditorium. An interesting feature is that a few sections of seating at the rear of the auditorium can be easily removed to accommodate for a sound mixing position for live productions.
A Christie 4K UHD, 22,500-lumens Laser projector, which provides is extremely bright projection to a permanently mounted professional projection screen that can be flown in and out to accommodate screenings whether stage scenery and equipment for a live performance is in place, or not.
The main speakers are L’Acoustics with QSC cinema surround speakers. The sound system can be configured several ways. Simple stereo, 3.1, 5.1, or 7.1 surround, or as an individually addressable 16 channel (or more) system for bespoke immersive live event sound designs. Powered by a QSC QSys CORE processor.
Sweeney Todd
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the dark and witty tale of love, murder and revenge, stars School of Theatre, Film & Television seniors James Kelley Carroll in the famed eponymous role and Broadway World Regional Award winner Grace Gebara as his accomplice Mrs. Lovett. The show runs through March 17.
Set in Victorian-era London, Sweeney Todd is about a barber who embarks on a murderous rampage, extracting revenge for the cruel abuse of his wife. The winner of numerous Tony and Drama Desk Awards over the years, the musical thriller was written by Hugh Wheeler with an original score by Stephen Sondheim.