WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Instead of a ceremonial groundbreaking, it was a lifting of the seats and swinging of the hammer to mark the start of a $17 million renovation to the century-old Grand Theater in Wausau.
“This is an exciting day because it is a marker in this chapter,” said Executive Director Sean Wright. “We have been planning this project for over 3.5 years, announced it over a year ago, and to have this day where we take out the final seats- makes it all feel very real.”
He says the guest experience is at the center of the work, with new seats, fresh paint, and detailing all scheduled for the theater space. Performers will also notice an upgraded Green Room and Star Dressing Rooms. That work, combined with improved house infrastructure, will help the theater attract the big shows, including Off-Broadway productions.
“Upgraded technology, new lighting positions, audio and visual enhancements throughout the theater will keep us competitive, particularly for the Broadway shows. We are already one of the smallest markets in the country with a Broadway series. It may also allow us to bring in a few [shows] that we haven’t been able to [attract] before,” said Wright.
Wright and others ceremoniously removed the last of the seats from the theater floor, then trekked upstairs to perform some light demolition work by swinging hammers at a target on the balcony.
Contractors will work through the summer and fall. Wright says the first show in the remodled space is scheduled for November 7th, kicking off a busy end to the year with more than a dozen shows on the schedule before the calendar turns to 2027.
During construction, Wright and the rest of the staff have moved to a temporary office at 115 N 6th Street. In addition to the day-to-day business, ticket sales will also be conducted at that location.
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