The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the Performing Arts
The Hanover Theatre for the Preforming Arts Worcester Webisode 1
In 2002, Ed Madaus and Paul Demoga founded the Worcester Center for Performing Arts, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on restoring the former Poli Palace Theatre. Over the past five years, the WCPA Board of Directors has worked to restore this magnificent theatre back to its original glory. In March of 2008, the theatre will re-open as The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts with Broadway tours, nationally recognized performers, and family shows gracing the stage.
The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts seeks to create a vibrant cultural destination, bringing world-class theatre, music and entertainment events to central Massachusetts. In doing so, we will:
Participate fully in the revitalization of downtown Worcester by bringing patrons into the Federal Square area for performing arts events, dining, and shopping.
Restore a historically and architecturally significant venue.
Provide a vital resource for central Massachusetts' performing arts, cultural and civic organizations and colleges.
Based on extensive research of other successful venues nationwide, The Hanover Theatre estimates its economic impact to the city of Worcester at approximately $40 million annually, in direct and indirect spending, jobs, property values and taxes. In addition, The Hanover Theatre will enhance the city's Arts District by creating an exciting performing arts destination for patrons of all ages. The Hanover Theatre will reach a wider audience than any other arts organization in our area-more than 170,000 patrons each year.
History
The original structure, known as the Franklin Square Theatre, was built in 1904. Later it became known as the Grand Theatre and was owned by Pauline L. Taylor. At that time, the theatre extended to the line of the former Norwich & Worcester rail line, which is approximately the front edge of the present balcony.
In 1925, Sylvester Poli of New Haven, Connecticut hired Thomas W. Lamb, one of the world's leading theatre architects to make major additions and alterations to the building. Lamb designed a 3,000-seat theatre, decorated with ornately painted plasterwork, marbleized columns and many elaborate furnishings. It offered its early patrons mirrored walls, a grand staircase, a large chandelier and a two-story lobby.
In 1967, National Amusements, Inc. purchased the building, closed the theatre and renovated the space into the Showcase Cinema. This renovation required major interior alterations including the removal of the stage, proscenium wall, upper seating boxes, balcony seating, and theatre seats and then dividing the space into four smaller cinemas. Showcase Cinema IV was closed in the late 1990's and the building was only minimally maintained for the next decade.
Edward Madaus and Paul Demoga, Founders of the Worcester Center for Performing Arts, started the non-profit in 2002 with the intention of purchasing the former grandiose theatre and turning it into a performing arts center. National Amusements transferred ownership to the Worcester Center for Performing Arts, Inc. for a nominal fee and the Light the Lights! Capital Campaign to restore the theatre began!
The Memphis Project
Worcester, Massachusetts's South High participated in a school wide collaboration with The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, incorporating show elements from MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL into the curriculum.
The Adopt-A-School Program is an ongoing initiative as part of The Hanover Theatre's mission: to foster a love appreciation for the performing arts in audiences of today and tomorrow.
The program continues this season with JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Please consider a donation to the Access to the Arts Fund and help us give our community the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre. Visit to donate online or call 877.571.SHOW (7469).
The Adopt-a-School Program is a continued initiativeWe continue this initiative in the 2014-15 season with JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.
2017 - 2018 Broadway Series at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
2017 - 2018 Broadway Series at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester, MA
Visit for tickets and more information!
Or call 1.877.571.SHOW (7469)
A Christmas Story, The Musical opens its tour in Worcester November 9 - 12, 2017
Cabaret is the perfect way to say goodbye to the old and ring in the New Year December 28 - 31, 2017
Something Rotten! gets everyone going February 20 - 25, 2018
Jersey Boys is back by popular demand and will delight audiences March 15 - 18, 2018
RENT 20th Anniversary Tour Shares the timeless story of love, friendship and community during its run Apr 5 - 8, 2018
Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful — and “Broadway’s most beautiful show” - WABC. See it here Apr 12 - 15, 2018
7th Broadway touring production (running May 15 - 20, 2018) will be announced April 24, 2017. (We’re dying to tell you but need to wait!)
Behind the Scenes with Brian and Brendan in The Hanover Theatre box office
Box office manager, Brian Burke and assistant box office manager, Brendan Donnellan stopped by the studio for Ticket Talk with Lisa. Listen to hear answers to your frequently asked questions. #HanoverTheatre #BTSatTHT
Best Attractions and Places to See in Worcester, Massachusetts MA
Worcester Travel Guide. MUST WATCH. Top things you have to do in Worcester. We have sorted Tourist Attractions in Worcester for You. Discover Worcester as per the Traveler Resources given by our Travel Specialists. You will not miss any fun thing to do in Worcester.
This Video has covered Best Attractions and Things to do in Worcester.
Don't forget to Subscribe our channel to view more travel videos. Click on Bell ICON to get the notification of newly uploaded videos.
List of Best Things to do in Worcester, Massachusetts (MA)
Worcester Art Museum
Mechanics Hall
The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Wormtown Brewery
EcoTarium
Green Hill Park
Bancroft Tower
Crompton Collective
Elm Park
Union Station
Jersey Boys at The Hanover Theatre
“THE MOST EXCITING MUSICAL BROADWAY HAS SEEN IN YEARS.” – Chicago Tribune
“TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!” raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, the 2006 Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award®-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. Coming to The Hanover Theatre March 15-18, 2018 as a part of the 2017-2018 Broadway Series.
Behind the Scenes with the Second Session of the Youth Summer Program 2013 on WCRN 830AM Radio
Interviews with the members of the second session Youth Summer Program of Oklahoma! and The Hanover Theatre assistant operations manager David McArthur.
Keith Lockhart Invites Worcester to the Boston Pops
Make your holidays bright with the Boston Pops Holiday Tour on December 7, 2018. Learn more at TheHanoverTheatre.org/pops18.
Newsboys United Tour - April 19
Witness the return of the full Newsboys band, including former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel, plus special guest artist Zealand. Learn more at
The Ice Bucket Challenege- Theatre Style
The Ice Bucket Challenge revolution has reached The Hanover Theatre's Youth Summer Program! Have you taken the challenge?Donate today to #StrikeOutALS.
What's In Store segment of The Hanover Theatre's 2010-2011 Broadway Series
WBZ segment of The Hanover Theatre's 2010-2011 Broadway Series
Behind the Scenes with The Hanover Theatre- Interview with executive director and Scrooge performer
Lisa Condit, director of Marketing & PR sat down with executive director, Troy Siebels, and Jeremy Lawrence, who stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in the fifth annual production of A Christmas Carol. #HanoverTheatre #BTSatTHT
Behind the Scenes with The Hanover Theatre's production manager, Jon Rosbrook, on WCRN 830AM
Go behind the scenes, literally, with The Hanover Theatre's production manager, Jon Rosbrook. Learn what it takes to put on a full scale production, and discover the magic that unfolds behind the curtain! #HanoverTheatre #BTSatTHT
REO Speedwagon - October 3 at The Hanover Theatre
Rock out to the classic Midwestern sounds of REO Speedwagon, fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin. Learn more at TheHanoverTheatre.org.
#REOSpeedwagon #HanoverTheatre
Behind the Scenes with Derek Brindisi of the City of Worcester Department of Public Health
Derek Brindisi, director of public health for the City of Worcester Department of Public Health, visited WCRN studio to discuss the city's vision to become the healthiest city in New England by 2020. The City of Worcester's Department of Public Health has partnered with AdCare Educational Institute, Spectrum Health Systems, and The Hanover Theatre for a free screening of the featured documentary film, THE ANONYMOUS PEOPLE, which aims to bring awareness to substance abuse and the solutions some communities are using to handle the issues.
#ArtsMatter at The Hanover Theatre
We support MASSCreative and their tireless and creative efforts to share our mutual love and respect for the arts. We asked members of the staff and a few volunteers at The Hanover Theatre to share why #ArtsMatter to them. To join the conversation, please make a sign that says “#ArtsMatter because…” and share why arts matter to you. Take a photo and share on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tag @MASSCreative and #ArtsMatter.
Behind the Scenes with Averil Capers of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Lisa welcomed the Worcester Telegram & Gazette's director of marketing & research, Averil Capers, to the studio to discuss the exciting lineup in the Worcester Connects Distinguished Speaker Series. Learn more about the four speakers: Rudy Giuliani, Dr. Ben Carson, Dee Dee Myers and Geoffrey Cananda, and what you can expect to learn.
Get The Led Out: The American Led Zeppelin - November 1
With passion and fury, Get The Led Out delivers the blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems of “The Mighty Zep” live on stage. Learn more at TheHanoverTheatre.org/gtlo18.
#GetTheLedOut #ClassicRock #MightyZep #HanoverTheatre
Highlights from Motown the Musical
Motown The Musical is coming to The Hanover Theatre May 23-28, 2017. Reserve seats at
Co-sponsored by Worcester State University and UniBank, it began as one man’s story, became everyone’s music and is now Broadway’s musical. Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to a heavyweight music mogul.