Priscilla Beach Theatre Restoration, Priscilla Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Priscilla Beach Theatre, newly clad in red following the completion of the new siding, is lightly dusted with the first snowfall of the season.

Priscilla Beach Theatre, just completing its 78th year, is the oldest barn theatre still in operation in the United States. The ongoing restoration work by owners and guardians Bob and Sandy Malone will be completed in time for next summer's performance season. "Fiddler on the Roof," and "Chicago" are already scheduled.

This update is the eighteenth part of a multi-part series which I began in May 2014 to chronicle this extraordinary project to restore a precious part of our American theatrical heritage. You can read my other blog posts about the construction progress and stage performances by typing "Priscilla Beach" in the search box in the right side column of this blog.

Now that the exterior siding, roofing, trim, rockscape, and other exterior work is mostly complete, emphasis shifts to the interior as winter approaches.

 

Under the overall project supervision of general contractor Paul Kelleher of Kelleher Fine Builders, Inc., Kingston, Massachusetts, the electrical sub-contractor is at work installing conduit and running wires to meet the electrical requirements of the theatre.

The fire suppression contractor is busy installing the system that will protect the wooden building and its occupants in the unlikely event of fire.

Rough plumbing is complete in the rest room area.

Restrooms.

Inside the main seating area, this view is looking toward the stage.

This view is from upstage center looking out toward the house and balcony.

This view is from the balcony looking at the stage.

Elevated at the back section of the balcony, the control room is taking shape with the desktop surface shown above spanning almost the entire width of the theatre. The main sound and light technician workstations will be located here.

View from above downstage right.