Lakeside theater fans will be delighted to hear that the Bravo! is rising again in Riberas del Pilar.
There is already a sign above the door and inside work is well in hand via a collaboration between owner Jayme Littlejohn, architect Alan Marsh, construction co-ordinator Niels Petersen, Russell Mack and the talented team of other volunteers who created the Bravo!’s original incarnation.
Getting to this point has been no mean feat for Littlejohn, thanks to a series of quasi-disasters. It all began in early July when the owners of the Bravo! premises gave her notice to quit, as they were selling the property for a change of use. Then, during technical rehearsals only two days before curtain up for a reprise of “Visiting Mr. Green,” Littlejohn totalled her car in a bad accident, leaving her to struggle through the four performances in great pain.
Amid all this was the sudden illness of David Wharff, Littlejohn’s invaluable “right hand.” His subsequent tragic death in October came as a shocking blow. Nevertheless, while still very badly bruised mentally and physically, she had to supervise the dismantling of the entire internal structure – stage, auditorium, electrical and sound fixtures – and clear the building by the end of that month.
After some time out to recover, Littlejohn began the search for a suitable replacement space.
“It was very grim for a while,” she said. “Rents were exorbitant and the spaces weren’t very suitable, access or size-wise. But I’ve finally found a suitable warehouse location.”
The new location is on the Carretera at Hidalgo 441, in Riberas, next door to Have Hammers and Todo Bueno. Here, the team is determined to recreate the wonderful intimacy that was so popular at the Bravo!’s original location.
There will be a cabaret theater space with a small stage up front that will initially be used to host fund-raising events for the new theater, and later as a cocktail area when there is a main stage.
The theater area will be comprised partially of moveable seating, together with a thrust stage made in sections, that will facilitate easy reconfiguration according to individual production requirements.
There are other innovations too. Jokes Littlejohn: “I’m building gorgeous bathrooms … you know, the Littlejohn john.”
The crew of volunteers who worked on the original theater is already busy on the new construction, but additional help is always welcome.
With increased costs for rent and rebuilding, there will be several fund-raisers, including naming opportunities. Additional donations obviously will be very welcome.
All those interested can bring donations to the first fund-raiser, an open house at the Bravo! Theatre while it’s still under construction, Saturday February 2, 2-5 p.m. All donations will be much appreciated and initial priority will be completing the audience bathrooms. There will be tours of the new venue, and light refreshments, including margaritas, will be served.
In addition, a Go Fund Me account has been set up to help with construction costs, at gofundme.com/bravo-theatre-rebuilding-fund.
There will be various events in aid of the new theater before the whole venue is ready. Rumor has it, however, that a 2019 season is already in the works.