The Eastman Theatre opened on September 4, 1922 fueled by the philanthropy of Kodak founder George Eastman. His intent was for "the enrichment of community life." Those words are etched in the frieze above the main entrance.


The theater complex is under going an extensive renovation and an aspect of that work was unveiled last night. The Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre was unveiled to an eager and sold out crowd. George Eastman had a hand in the original construction, stopping by most every day to check on the progress. His presence was felt in last night's re-dedication.



Pictured above is Eastman's original chair, with a hat rack below, that sits in the new Kodak box.



Posters announced the re-opening. The magnificent chandelier was brilliant. It is 14 feet in diameter and 35 feet tall. It weighs 5,000 pounds, has 585 visible and 670 concealed lights with 298 strings of glass containing 20,000 pieces of crystal made in Italy and Czechoslovakia. The new lights are "green" and it looks stunningly like new!



Two light fixtures in the upper balcony with an interesting story were kept intact. With the original opening in 1922 looming, light fixtures ordered from Italy had not shown up. Thillman Fabry, a noted woodcarver and plasterer, creatively made new fixtures by painting and accessorizing two galvanized washtubs. George Eastman thought they looked good enough to keep and they remain in place today.

The murals adorning both sides of the hall have also been cleaned and look vibrant.



The view above is from the conductor's podium.



The Theatre was ready, the red carpet was rolled out, the energy was palpable.



A drummer led a procession of guests down the street and into the Theatre. This drum was used to play The Star Bangled Banner during the original opening and again last night.

The crowd streamed in and were more than pleased as they looked about the renovated hall.



On deck for the evening's performance was piece commissioned especially for the occasion called Geo by Douglas Lowry, Dean of the Eastman School of Music. I thought it was great! That was followed by Beethoven's Ninth Symphony - how can you go wrong with that!?



The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra along with the Rochester Oratorio Society filled the hall with an "Ode to Joy."

Wow, what a night! Truly, George E's goal to enrich community life is alive, well, and strong.

The photos in this post were taken with a Kodak Z980 digital camera.

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