Here’s to our next 140 years!

Loving a good Birthday, I thought I’d take a trip down memory lane and pulled out my Music Hall history book. When the doors first opened, in 1878 the then Mayor of Portsmouth W.H.Y. Hackett said “This hall is a credit as well as a convenience to our city. A Community is known to some extent by the character and place of it’s amusements.” Today, all those years later, I like to think that those words still ring true. Built to be a community gathering place, our Grand Dame of a theater is still opening up her doors everyday, through programming and community events, she welcomes people to come together to share in an experience.

The Historic Theater has become the center of the arts and culture of this town and this year to celebrate her you’ll see that we’ll be making some improvements. Our spectacular marquee is up and lighting up Chestnut Street, and have you noticed how much easier it is to walk up to the doors this winter? This spring, we’ll make sure that her street is a pretty as she is, and to make sure people don’t miss her, we’ll add the wayfinding arch.

If you haven’t stopped by to see the Marquee in person make sure to stop by! While you’re there, wish her a very Happy Birthday! Here’s to the next 140!