Kingston theater returns to original glory

By Lee Park
Poughkeepsie Journal

The musical ''How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'' has become kind of an inside joke for Executive Artistic Director Ron Marquette.

Considering how much time, money and energy has gone into bringing Kingston's historic Broadway Theater back to fruition, the success of UPAC has actually required quite a bit of trying, he said.

After $1.7 million in renovations, UPAC unveiled its new look in 2002 -- the theater's 75th anniversary year.

Built in 1927, UPAC almost ended its reign twice. The theater was saved from demolition in 1977 by co-founders Norman Rafalowsky, Helen Newcombe and Lincoln Christensen. In 1995, when Marquette came aboard, the theater was in complete disarray, he said.

''The theater was ready to fall down,'' said Marquette. ''It was over half a million dollars in debt, it was a physical and financial drain.''

Seven years later, the theater was back in shape. The first five years were spent dealing with the infrastructure, including the wiring, the plumbing and the roof.

Finding financial support to fix the problems was an arduous task for Marquette and members of the community. Donations totaling $500,000 came from the Dyson Foundation, a Dutchess County-based charitable organization. Other businesses contributed as well.

More support came from federal sources, including the Department of Interior's Save America's Treasures program, which provided $250,000. A grant from the New York State Economic Development Corp. brought another $250,000. Marquette said that of the $1.7 million, $1.5 million came from various government institutions.

''It's a success story for the region,'' he said. ''It shows what public and private partnerships can do, not only to save a building, but for the community.''

Marquette said the renovation, which included ''a new everything,'' was spearheaded in part by late Kingston Mayor T.R. Gallo's efforts to revitalize Broadway.

''He stepped out and said that we have to get this theater back,'' said Marquette. ''It's unfortunate that he won't be here when it actually happens.''

The renovation is being viewed as a major stepping stone to the rebuilding of Kingston's city districts, including the Broadway corridor. Marquette said much effort came from community members who didn't want to see UPAC close.

''It's one of those true community success stories. It's nice when it actually happens,'' he said.

Marquette said he can now focus on bringing in bigger names, more national and international acts. And with the $300,000 put toward new stage equipment, the venue will be more desirable for patrons and performers, said Marquette.

The theater has featured performances by comedians George Carlin and Joe Piscopo, legendary musicians Ray Charles and B.B King, and touring version of shows such as "Ain't Misbehavin' '' and "Grease."

Rafalowsky and Newcombe have seen the theater at its worst, and now, its best.

''It was shabby,'' Newcombe said about UPAC when she became involved in the 1970s. ''The electric system was pretty ancient. The painting, the repair, the plastic: you could just look around to know that it was bad. Over the last seven years, since (Marquette) has been there, we're overjoyed that it's happened. I never thought I'd see the day when they'd get the inside painted.''

Rafalowsky said that since 1977, finding the resources to complete a renovation has proven to be difficult, noting Marquette's efforts as one of the reasons it was accomplished.

''We tried to raise funds,'' he said. ''It's been 25 years already. I knew I couldn't stand to see or think about Kingston being without an auditorium. (Marquette) was so important of a person in turning the place around. There's nobody like him.''

For Marquette, the renovation process was a learning experience. He said he took over while the theater was on its last legs, and now, UPAC is back where it belongs.

''It's exactly what it should be: a premiere performing arts center,'' he said. ''There's a lot of pride in the community for making this happen.''