Leggett Cuts Ribbon for Grand Opening of Architecturally Resorted Bethesda Theater

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett joined this evening with representatives of The Bozzuto Group, the Bethesda Cultural Alliance, Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, the Bethesda Urban Partnership and other elected officials and invited guests to celebrate the reopening of, and inaugural production at, the newly restored Bethesda Theater on Wisconsin Avenue.

“This theater first opened in 1938 as a state-of-the-art cinema house and Art Deco landmark here in Montgomery County,” said Leggett. “And nearly 70 years later, to be a part of its exciting rebirth as a Montgomery County cultural and destination landmark once again is truly an honor, and I commend the impressive public, private and local community partnership that made this momentous occasion possible.”

Architectural restoration of the theatre commenced in 2001, with construction work managed by The Bozzuto Group. In 2006, The Bozzuto Group donated the theatre to the Bethesda Cultural Alliance, who now owns and oversees operation of the theater. Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, a leading provider of off-Broadway, live entertainment for nearly 100 years, provides performance and production management.

“The Bozzuto Group is delighted to have been part of such a successful public-private partnership for the renovation of this historic theater. We believe strongly in enhancing the lives of those living in the communities in which we serve--this had been a terrific opportunity to do just that” said Thomas S. Bozzuto, Chairman of The Bozzuto Group.

“This is a stunning example of all that can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together,” said John Slidell, president of the Bethesda Cultural Alliance. “We’ve worked since 1996 to breath new life into the theater, and thanks to the support of the state of Maryland and Montgomery County—the Bethesda Cultural Alliance has been able to see this project through and create a wonderful asset for the community.”

The restored Bethesda Theater brings a vibrant, cultural destination back to Bethesda and Montgomery County, and will be a major draw for theater-enthusiasts from around the region. It also adds to the growing reputation of eastern Montgomery County as the next major performance and cultural arts hub along the mid-Atlantic.

“The restoration and reopening of the historic Bethesda Theater is important from both a cultural and business development standpoint,” said Pradeep Ganguly, Director, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development. “Not only will it bring some of the hottest off-Broadway productions to the area, but it now joins with some of the County’s other existing, and soon to come, impressive performing arts venues that, in and of themselves, help distinguish Montgomery County as a true player in the new creative economy and help us maintain and attract the creative workforce that support this new economy.”