ARTS

Milton Theatre breaks ticket sales records after announcing reopening

Shannon Marvel McNaught
Delaware News Journal

The arts are back at the Milton Theatre, which will reopen Jan. 22 after closing  indefinitely in December.

The theater announced the reopening via Facebook on Friday, Jan. 8. Ticket sales began Monday, Jan. 11, and spokesman John Paul Lacap said the day now holds the record for the most ticket sales in Milton Theatre history. About 50 were sold in the first hour, according to Lacap.

"I think that reflects on the confidence of people in us, that we're not going anywhere," Lacap said.

The reopening lineup includes a stand-up comedy show, yacht rocker Boat House Row and "The Music of Judy Garland" with Broadway's Grace Field.

RELATED:Milton Theatre shut their doors again, but hopeful for return

Fred Munzert, the executive director of the Milton Theatre, stands for a portrait at the theater, which shut down due to COIVD-19 restrictions, on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020.

The Milton Theatre closed indefinitely when the governor's Dec. 10 restrictions took occupancy down to 16% and operations became cost prohibitive. Theater employees were exhausted from having to repeatedly book, cancel and rebook talent.

"Our staff was just deflated when that came through," Milton Theatre Director Fred Munzert said at the time.

It seems their spirits were renewed in the new year. Theater staff worked directly with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to reopen at 30% capacity, with strict health and safety guidelines in place. 

"We're very excited," Lacap said. "We have a lot of work ahead of us for the next two weeks to get the space ready, stock the bar, clean, but we're very excited."

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Delaware reported more COVID-19 cases last week than ever before