Press Releases

Elim Park Introduces Professional Theatre to Nelson Hall!

CHESHIRE, Connecticut: August 23, 2010

Elim Park is going where few retirement community had ventured before — elevating the on-site performing arts center to a professional theatre venue. Excitement is building as Nelson Hall prepares to debut its first professional theatre engagement since a sound and lighting upgrade was completed this summer. We are creating a unique theatre experience.

With work on both the interior physical design of Nelson Hall and the addition of theatre quality lighting and sound equipment, the 364-seat theatre is ready to present Mr. Wonder Boy, opening Thursday, September 30, and playing 22 shows through October 17.

When Nelson Hall was first designed in 2007, the sound and lighting package was trimmed due to budget constraints. Almost three years later, Elim Park has fulfilled its mission for the theatre design and now aims to grow Nelson Hall as an entertainment venue for the residents, and as an enhancement to the marketing efforts for the retirement community.

Mr. Wonder Boy producer, Dennis Babcock, has reviewed the technical package for Nelson Hall and believes that after the upgrades the theatre “could quite possibly be one of the best quality theatres of its size, technically speaking, across the country.”

There were some challenges to complete the upgrades in the theatre — hauling over 3 tons of electrical wiring through the backstage and up to the sound and lighting board in the balcony — maneuvering scaffolding and lifting the stage seventeen inches.

In addition to the new look and sounds of Nelson Hall, there will be more seats available to enjoy the new theatre — an extra 14 in the Presidential Suite in the balcony, and removable seating for patrons that require handicapped accessible and companion seating. Nelson Hall will have a box office located in the Village Green at Elim Park, a concession counter and a new website and online ticket site — which are now open for business at www.nelsonhallelimpark.org or by calling 203.699.5495.

Mr. Wonder Boy, starring Bob Stromberg, opens on September 30. For showcase or group sales information, contact the Nelson Hall Theatre Manager, Rachele Patrignelli, at 203.272.3547 extension 309.