Tonight's sold-out grand opening of Richmond CenterStage was celebrated this afternoon with a gathering of arts patrons, business leaders and other project boosters along East Grace Street in downtown Richmond.
With the exuberant crowd counting down as the final seconds ticked off a digital clock, representatives of four youth arts organizations stood with dignitaries, including Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Mayor Dwight C. Jones, to cut the ribbon -- actually a decorative gold rope -- on the $73.5 million performing arts complex.
Then, as pieces of blue, red and orange confetti were blasted skyward, about 50 performers burst from the arts center's doors to clap, dance and celebrate with the crowd. The arts center project, which includes a refurbished Carpenter Theatre, was announced 8½ years ago and had to fight through fundraising and political challenges.
"After years of hard work and stumbles that have come along with a project of this magnitude, and thanks to the gracious giving from the city of Richmond, the Commonwealth of Virginia and many private donors, I am pleased and thrilled to say that Richmond CenterStage is now arrived," said James E. Ukrop, chairman of the CenterStage Foundation.
A sell-out crowd of 1,736 is expected at tonight's grand opening performance featuring local arts organizations. The curtain is set to rise at 8 p.m.
-- Will Jones
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