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Re-raising the Curtain at the United Theatre

Westerly’s United Theater aims to recreate past successes

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The United Theatre, which was a prime destination in Westerly for about half a century, is in the middle of its second season of events since it closed in the 1980s. The theatre’s new ownership, led by Executive Director Simon Holt, is leading a grand renovation that will make the theatre, well, more than just a theatre.

In addition to restoring the 336-seat main theater, the owners hope to add a 50-seat “storefront” theatre, a third, reconfigurable auditorium and other amenities. The renovation will take several years, Holt said, but when all is complete, he hopes it will help revitalize the downtown Westerly.
“I do think the economic aspect is really a key element to all of this,” Holt said. This summer, the theatre will host an array of live music, stand-up comedy and its Movies in the Park series. There will be some star power too, when Tony Horton, the master behind P90X, hosts a public workout in August.

“I think the really amazing thing is not only is he just a big name, but he hasn’t forgotten his roots, and he really understands what we are trying to do in the downtown here,” Holt said.

The United Theatre
5 Canal St, Westerly 

united theatre, westerly, Tony Horton, movies in the park, tehatre revival

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