Bardavon adds culture, cash to county

Poughkeepsie Journal

The City of Poughkeepsie theater has continued to persevere and now thrives, and has been recognized for its long-standing commitment to community.

"It's great to be recognized for being good business people," Chris Silva, the Bardavon's executive director, said. "Often times, nonprofits are looked upon as somebody with their hand out. It's nice to be recognized for our good business practices and for giving back to the community."

During its season, the Bardavon features more than 100 main stage performances that offer programs for about 60,000 audience members. The Bardavon reaches an additional 40,000 people with its participation in local festivals including the Hudson River Arts Festival, Celebration of Lights and Kids Expo.

The Bardavon also sends first-class artists into local schools for intensive residency programs and workshops.

"They serve many populations. There are cultural and educational components that are reaching our children and reaching tourists,'' said Nancy Arena of the Dutchess County Tourism Promotion Agency. ''They really benefit the entire mid-Hudson Valley area."

In addition to providing entertainment for area residents, the Bardavon stimulates the county's economy by providing jobs, attracting tourists and utilizing the services of local business owners.

The Bardavon provides 181 permanent jobs and contracts more than 75 musicians for the Hudson Valley Philharmonic orchestra.

The Bardavon 1869 Opera House itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest continually operating theater in New York. Over the last couple of years, the building has undergone a $1.4 million renovation updating its facilities while maintaining its historical significance.

"They really are kind of a mainstay in the cultural community,'' Sherre Wesley, president of the Dutchess County Arts Council, said. ''The Bardavon is usually the first thing that comes to mind when you ask about arts in Dutchess County. It generates a very great service and a very great product."

When the Bardavon opened in 1869, its location halfway between Albany and New York City made it a premiere showplace where stars wanted to perform. But it was the unique architecture of the building itself that set the standard for the way theaters are built in America.

The owner, James Collingwood, had his theater built on the first floor because he owned a coal yard behind it, with an arch leading from the theater. It just so happens that other theaters followed the pattern, according to Jane Preddy, a theater architecture historian from Wappingers Falls.

The theater was designed by James S. Post and built by Peter G. Benway between August 1868 and January 1869. Collingwood spent $50,000 on the theater. It was constructed in accordance with then-new principle of doing away with the need for pillars and thus obstruction of the view of the stage. Graceful columns supporting the balconies and the gallery swept one's eyes upward to the dome, 40 feet in diameter.

In 1921, the building was closed for renovations. 1869 elements, including the original dome, are still present, however.

The theater and attached office building were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in February 1978. In 1981, the Bardavon underwent major renovations to prepare the building for performances by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Orchestra.

In February 2002, the 3,400 lights on the new Bardavon marquee were turned on, signaling the completion of a $1.5 million renovation project.

Among those who've recently performed on the Bardavon stage: Chuck Mangione, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Pete Seeger, Natalie Merchant, Rosemarie Clooney, Harry Belafonte, James Earl Jones, Mary Tyler Moore and Eric Idle.