A New Day at MRT!

Nancy Donahue and George Duncan

Merrimack Repertory Theatre officially unveiled its recently completed three-and-a -half month, $750,000 renovation to more than 200 officials, sponsors and guests Thursday afternoon.

Following the speaking program, those in attendance toured the Nancy L. Donahue Theatre, LowellBank Lobby and Enterprise Bank Box Office.

Speakers included: MRT Board of Trustees President Debra Grossman, Mayor Patrick Murphy, City Manager Bernie Lynch, UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan, Parker Foundation President Newell Flather, Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Anita Walker, Sen. Eileen Donoghue, MRT Executive Director Steven Leon and MRT Artistic Director Charles Towers.

Mayor Murphy read the following proclamation, presented to MRT staff at a City Council meeting last month:

Whereas Merrimack Repertory Theatre, whose mission is “to advance the cause of human understanding by creating theatrical productions at the highest level of artistic excellence and making them affordable to the broadest possible community”  has contributed significantly to the literary, cultural and economic vitality of the city of Lowell over 33 seasons; and  

Whereas, MRT  has put on more than 200 high quality performances attracting 40,000 people annually and partnering with city businesses, arts and community service organizations; and provides discounted tickets to everyone, especially senior citizens, students and Lowell residents, making high quality theatre accessible to all; as well as providing education and outreach programs that have benefited more than 200,000 area students; and  

Whereas, MRT has recently undertaken an impressive renovation, transforming Liberty Hall into an even more beautiful theatre space and donating the renovation to the city and its residents.

I, PATRICK Ó. MURPHY, Mayor of the City of Lowell, Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim, September 3rd – September 9th as:  “Merrimack Repertory Theatre Week” in the City of Lowell, and urge all citizens to celebrate and patronize this theatre.