Bravo, Theatre C.R.!

By Cyndi Pederson

It happens every week in theaters across the country – the lights go down and the curtain goes up as people gather to share a common experience that often borders on magical: live theater.

One of those magical moments was captured at the Iowa Theatre Building on Feb. 26 when the curtain rose for Theatre Cedar Rapids' production of “The Producers.” I marveled at the transformation the historic, grand venue has undergone since the flood of 2008.

While the flood of 2008 brought many tears to Cedar Rapids, the cooperative efforts undertaken by many different organizations and businesses to bring the theater building back to prominence deserves hearty cheers.

Despite losing its performing home, Theatre Cedar Rapids did not miss a beat and found alternate venues to produce and present shows.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, the State Historic Preservation Office, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Vision Iowa Board, the Hall-Perrine Foundation and others brought their energy, skills and expertise to this project.

And, Gov. Chet Culver's signature initiative, I-JOBS, awarded $1 million to Theatre Cedar Rapids and is targeting Linn County with $93 million in grant funding to support jobs and keep the rebuilding momentum moving forward.

As the show concluded on opening night, the applause spilled out of the theater and onto the streets in celebration of the spirit of Cedar Rapids.

In leaving the theater, I glanced at the marquee and flashed back to June 2008 when it stated: “We're all in this together!” I could see in that statement the resiliency of a community that has endured a horrible situation and is bouncing back better than ever.

We filed into Zins restaurant with many other theater patrons. The place was filled with conversation, good cheer and wonderful desserts.

That night, I witnessed the ripple effect cultural activities bring to communities. The ripple effect is happening in other locations surrounding the theater, too. Research shows that the preservation of historic properties creates job opportunities and economic growth for skilled trades, the hospitality industry and other businesses.

Expectations and hope for Cedar Rapids' downtown are bright, and the reopening of the Iowa Theatre is the next step in “raising the curtain” on the area as a hub of cultural arts, business and economic activity.

Congratulations to all on a job well done!

Cyndi Pederson is the director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its two divisions, the Iowa Arts Council and the State Historical Society of Iowa. Contact her at cyndi.pederson@iowa.gov.