Ground Breakers Play-a-Part
in Central Square Theater Day

On May 1st, 2007, the sidewalk in front of 450 Massachusetts Avenue, the future site of Central Square Theater, home to resident professional theater companies The Nora Theatre Company and Underground Railway Theater, was overflowing with Cambridge and Boston residents, local business owners, and state and city officials. They all answered the Theater's invitation to become Ground Breakers and join in celebrating Central Square Theater Day, officially declared by both the Commonwealth and City of Cambridge.

The Ground Breaking Celebration began with a traditional shovel in the ground ceremony with an impressive lineup of keynote speakers: State Senator Jarrett T. Barrios, State Representative Martha M. Walz, Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves, Steven C. Marsh of MIT, and Carl F. Barron of CARU Associates.

Senator Barrios and Representative Walz both spoke about how they fought hard to secure a $200,000 earmark from the legislature for the Central Square Theater and commented on the many social and economic benefits the Cambridge community will receive from this investment.

The Mayor of Cambridge, Ken Reeves, gave a heartfelt welcome to Central Square Theater and expressed his support and excitement over the Theater's presence. He stated, "Central Square Theater is the artistic jewel in the crown of Cambridge."

Celebrated actor Matt Damon, a supporter of the theater, was there in spirit and sent a few words: "Congratulations! I am so happy there will finally be a theater in our neighborhood. It is going to offer so much to the entire Cambridge community, and be especially important for our young people."

Immediately following the ceremony, a fun-fill parade with puppets, costumes, and music performed by The Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band led more than 250 Ground Breakers to a community reception at the Cambridge Family YMCA's Durrell Hall. Upon arriving, Ground Breakers were welcomed inside for free food, drink, and live theater entertainment. Renowned local playwright and actor John Kuntz acted as Master of Ceremonies, entertaining the audience, and introducing the evening's exciting events.

Both The Nora Theatre Company and Underground Railway Theater presented excerpts of their recent productions. William Young and Nancy E. Carroll performed the opening of Sam Shepard's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Buried Child, which The Nora Theatre Company staged at the Boston Playwrights' Theatre from April 19th through May 6th. Underground Railway Theater presented scenes from two of their plays, Are You Ready My Sister, a touring production, and Einstein's Dreams, which was presented in collaboration with Catalyst Collaborative at MIT from April 19th to 29th.

Thanks to local businesses-1369 Coffeehouse, Asgard Irish Pub & Restaurant, Harvest Co-Op Market, Indian Pavilion, Marty's Liquors, The Middle East Restaurant, Picante Mexican Grill, Rendezvous in Central Square, and Toscanini's Ice Cream-Ground Breakers were able to quench their thirst and appetites with a delicious and diverse selection of cuisines during the performances.

Mary C. Huntington, Artistic Director of The Nora Theatre Company, and Debra Wise, Artistic Director of Underground Railway Theater, raised their glasses in thanks and toasted the new theater, proclaiming, "We create theater because the arts are an essential part of life. Great theater can build bridges between communities, celebrate life, and empower us all."

The event concluded with closing remarks from fellow Ground Breakers and with a song of thanks led by Rosi and Brian Amador of Sol Y Canto.

Central Square Theater would like to thank all who attended. We look forward to opening our doors to all of you in winter 2008.