Keep spreading the news! We're here to stay. Love being part it..... our Triad Stage! No vagabond shoes; no little town blues! Love every day of it...... our Triad Stage! The above photo is of the exuberant Richard Whittington, co-founder and managing director of Greensboro's Triad Stage.
Originally from Dallas Texas, Rich Whittington attended the Yale School of Drama. He and business partner Preston Lane conducted a nationwide search and Greensboro was the largest market without an established, regional theater. In 2001, they converted the abandoned Montgomery Ward building on Elm Street into a theater and dubbed it Triad Stage. The first performance was held in 2001- Suddenly Last Summer by Tennessee Williams- and Triad Stage has been getting rave reviews. Recently, Triad Stage was named one of the top 10 most promising theaters to have emerged in the last 15 years. This designation came from the American Theater Wing, the same group that determines the Tony Awards!
When asked what the biggest surprises have been for him since opening Triad Stage, Mr. Whittington said, they didn't anticipate the changes in Greensboro's textile industry and the loss of jobs to the local economy. Also, they had no way to anticipate that the 9/11 attacks would happen three months before their first performance. However, Whittington and Lane are pleased about the extent to which the Greensboro community supports Triad Stage. Mr. Whittington says that not only classics but also new plays are well attended here. Look here for upcoming opportunities to attend a performance at Triad Stage.
Today is ABC Wednesday and for our People of Greensboro Series, W is for Whittington. We are so glad Mr. Whittington and Mr. Lane opened a regional theater in Greensboro and can't wait to follow the theater's continued growth over the next decade!
I was there for that first performance of "Suddenly Last Summer." That performance hooked me and I have been a season subscriber almost every year since. A great addition to our city.
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 07:55 AM
love his enthusiasm!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Posted by: Roger Green | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 08:44 AM
Well, that is pretty exciting! Every city should have a good theater. We've got an excellent one here, but have yet to attend, although my friends tell me the plays are very high quality.
One of these days.
Love that name, "Preston Lane." I think there is a road called Preston Lane in Dallas! :-)
Posted by: Lowell | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Every town is enriched by a local theater. Have enjoyed this series. Can't help but wonder how you're going to handle X.
Posted by: Oakland Daily Photo | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 01:28 PM
Worth every penny!
Posted by: Coy Richards | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Providing a much needed escape, probably even way to understand life, in every city. May time and life continue to treat him kind.
And yes, feels as if the 'difficult years' are about to come, here, there, everywhere. Please have you all a good Thursday.
Posted by: robert | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 05:41 PM