by Jan Davisson
There is nothing that an inquisitive writer likes better than getting behind the scene. An invitation to view all the renovations and additions to the Maltz Jupiter Theatre was a dream come true. Because I’ve been around since the old Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre opened in 1977, I have often been backstage and was ever so curious as to what changes have been made. To say that I was overwhelmed, would be an understatement.
Our tour director was Andrew Kato, the Producing Artistic Director/Chief Executive of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, who hosted a group of media people on the grand tour of the 60,000 sq. ft. recently renovated and expanded regional theatre. This makes the Maltz Jupiter Theatre the largest award-winning regional theater in Florida. For these efforts, Kato has already started receiving calls for pre-Broadway shows. “We’ll need a year to settle in, and then we’ll be ready to explore what we’d like to bring to the Maltz,” said Kato. Who knows! Jupiter might turn out to be the next New Haven or Philadelphia pre-Broadway spot.
As you enter the theatre, you ‘ll notice an updated look to the lobby plus lots of interesting new pictures of past productions on the wall. Then you head into the theater itself, nicely renovated with additional seats that bring the total to 617. Kato made sure that we all knew that Oscar Garcia, the design architect, and Inez Garcia, an interior designer, created the wonderful new look.
Step on the stage and the expansion is overwhelming…a huge, enlarged stage with every type of the latest gadgets needed to produce any type of show including a new lighting system that doesn’t interfere with any obstruction for the audience. It also features a special trap door that raises and lowers. It can be used as an orchestra pit, an apron for an additional scene or just to bring up some sets and equipment. It’s amazing. Every new addition is complete with the latest safety features involved. What was consider a sound system in the original theatre is now contained in an entire separate room with more sound equipment that I ever knew existed.
The rehearsal space is intertwined with numerous additions for the Goldner Conservatory. There is a separate space for scene rehearsals and a tremendous space for full scale dance scenes. It could probably hold the Rockettes.
The renovations and additions were suppose to be built in a three-act campaign; however, when COVID entered our lives, the board decided to continue with ACT TWO to take advantage of the time the theatre would be closed.
The space allotted to the upcoming Final Act is staggering. It will include a second performing space with a 199-seat flexible theatre. This will allow the production of dramatic plays and new works that are better suited to an intimate space.
Education has always been one of the key factors in developing the Goldner Conservatory. This offers a chance for young people to learn and perform on stage. “One of our goals is to create a place of inclusion,” said Kato. “To achieve this goal, we provide scholarships to students who do not have the means to attend but have an interest in any phase of theatre, from singing, dancing and acting, to backstage work.”
There are numerous classes for young people in all parts of theatrical production. This past summer, the Summer Camps included the musicals Grease for students in grades 8-12. For grades 3-7, students took to the boards with Willy Wonka, Jr. What a fantastic way for young people to spend time in the summer months with rehearsals and then performances! Now the space will be doubled. A remarkable goal that started with the Burt Reynolds Institute for Theater Training back in 1977 and has expanded to a remarkable degree with Andrew Kato at the helm. Information on The Goldner Conservatory is available at www.jupitertheatre.org/education.
Another lovely addition is Scene, a 40-seat show-themed dining space for patrons and donors to experience. It will offer a catered tasting menu and bar. Scene will also provide the opportunity to include intimate cabaret shows. It is part of the Final Act construction phase and will be located on the second floor.
For those who haven’t had this golden opportunity to take a tour behind the scene, check out Curtain Up by new theater writer, Donnie Quigley, and take a peek at the great line-up of shows for the upcoming 17th season of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.
“We want all parts of the theatre to be diversified from staff and audience to the Conservatory,” Kato said. “We ‘re not just checking boxes for our inclusion; we’re following our actions throughout the theatre. The Maltz Jupiter Theatre has the ability to make a difference within the community.”
Maltz Jupiter Theatre
1001 E. Indiantown Rd, Jupiter
Tickets: 561.575.2223
www.jupitertheatre.org