IT’S OFFICIAL!! THEATER LATTÉ DA HAS A HOME AT THE RITZ THEATER IN NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS
/August 31, 2016 Contact: Seena Hodges seena@latteda.org 612-767-5646 office
IT’S OFFICIAL!! THEATER LATTÉ DA HAS A HOME AT THE RITZ THEATER IN NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS
(Minneapolis/St. Paul) The Board of Directors of Theater Latté Da announced the purchase of the historic Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis. For the first time in the company’s 18-year history, Theater Latté Da has integrated its administration, rehearsal space, and performances. The building was purchased from the Ritz Theater Foundation.
In order to play a significant role in keeping the historic Ritz Theater alive, the company moved into the administrative offices of the building in September 2014. Since then, the staff is able to work more collaboratively, artists comment on the positive energy of the space, and audiences have been incredibly enthusiastic. The company has produced highly-celebrated productions of Stephen Sondheim’s’ Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, as well as two world premieres—C. by Bradley Greenwald and Robert Elhai and Lullaby by Michael Elyanow.
Over the past two years, the Ritz Theater has proved a successful home for playwrights, composers, and lyricists to create new musical theater. The company has also experienced exponential growth over the past few years expanding its annual budget from $1.2 million in 2014 to $1.8 million in 2016.
Artistic Director Peter Rothstein offers, “During our time at the Ritz Theater, our patrons have expressed how much they love the intimacy of the space and the vibrancy of the neighborhood. Residents and local businesses have been extremely welcoming and become a vital partners. With the Ritz Theater as our artistic home, we will continue to deepen our relationship with Northeast Minneapolis.” He continues, “The Ritz Theater is a fantastic building in a dynamic neighborhood with a rich history of diverse ethnic identity and cultural exchange. Theater Latté Da is thrilled to be a part of its next chapter.”
Ritz Theater Foundation representative David Warner offers, “It’s been a long and challenging road for the Ritz Theater Foundation but all’s well that ends well and this couldn’t have ended any better. The Ritz Theater will be in wonderful hands with Theater Latté Da.”
The company will begin its 19th season at the Ritz Theater with the musical RAGTIME. The production begins performances on Wednesday, September 21. Tickets can be purchased at latteda.org or by calling 612-339-3003.
About Theater Latté Da:
Theater Latté Da is committed to a rigorous experimentation with music and story that expands the art form and speaks to a contemporary audience challenging us to think deeply about the community and the world in which we live.
We believe musical theater to be the most collaborative of art forms, incorporating music, drama, poetry, dance, and design. We are inspired and strengthened through inclusive partnerships with artists, organizations, and our diverse community, and embody a collaborative spirit in all we do.
###
