By Laura Spencer
Kansas City, MO – City officials met yesterday (Thursday, July 27) to celebrate the beginning of the renovation of the Music Hall. The $13.4 million construction project started earlier this week with demolition work. KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.
It's been more than 25 years since the last major renovation to the Music Hall. Changes to the 71 year old arts venue will include plumbing and electrical upgrades to the back-of-the house, including dressing rooms, improved audience sidelines, and replacing seats. Architect Reeves Wiedeman (Helix Architecture + Design) says the existing stage wall will be demolished and 15 feet of additional depth added.
REEVES: it's not about rebuilding a new building, it's about bringing its soul back and begins with the stage....accommodate anything touring the world.
In June, a city committee recommended the national company Live Nation over Kansas City-based Theatre League as the company to hold exclusive rights to book Broadway shows at the Music Hall. City Councilman Chuck Eddy says contract negotiations are still being finalized and the issue will come before the City Council in the next couple of weeks. Laura Spencer, KCUR News.