Town Hall Theatre, and some free press

In Middlebury this summer, theatre lives on in the hallowed wings of the Town Hall Theater, thanks in part to a generous partnership with Middlebury College Theatre Department. Doug Anderson, executive director at the THT, finished renovations to the 125 year-old building and this weekend kicked off its first season since 2005. The Burlington Free Press reports.

This story begs two questions:

1. "Theatre," or "theater"?
According to playwright Dana Yeaton - it's the more European "theatre"... rolled "r" not necessary, but often observed. It seems Doug Anderson prefers the homier "theater," which should be pronounced with a bellyful of home-cooked potatoes and lamb and in some obscure regional accent. The College's stance? It's the Department of Theatre and Dance. However, Microsoft Word accepts both (although this might be because of that useless, ingratiating paper clip, Clippy).

2. What is wrong with the Burlington Free Press?
I know this is a sort of meta-media question, but just read this article. These are actual quotes (for those of you in a hurry):

“The deferred maintenance was intense,” said Anderson, an animated talker who bears a resemblance to David Letterman. “Had we known at the time how much was wrong with it, we never would have done it.”

The emphasis is mine. He bears a resemblance to who? Does that have anything to do with the story? I read and I demand relevance, you dreamer-journalist, you.

Anderson was especially excited to show off the spacious women’s bathroom and its five stainless-steel stalls.

Was he? especially excited? You're leading us down a path that ends in peeping-tomism, and I don't appreciate it. If you think Anderson's a creep, write an op-ed about it. Or etch it on this bathroom's wall.

Phew. Sorry about that. I really do like the BFP, but these bits just couldn't go unmentioned.




"Cyrano!" is playing this weekend at the THT... based on Edmond Rostand's stellar "Cyrano de Bergerac," the French classic which made big noses funny. Funny, until, probably, "The Pianist." Check out their upcoming schedule.

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If you're looking for some smart Middlebury news this summer, I'd head over to Midd-Blog. They break news faster than the Prophets and know a good deal more, too. (BTW thanks for the shout-out, guys.)



Enjoy your miserable internships, folks. It'll all be over soon and we'll be making a clean five figures at some non-profit before we know it.