Show Times and Dates

Furry Tales
2:00 June 1st
2:00 June 2nd

Middle Class & Second Class
7:30 May 31st
7:30 June 1st

Buy Tickets online at Eventbrite
Tickets will also be sold for an increased price at the door:
Adults $12
Students $10

Check out this fun line-up

Furry Tales
June 1 & 2 at 2:00 pm

Perfect for children pre-school through 4th grade. Children 5 and under are FREE!

When the animals in Furry Tale Land begin losing their tails because the famous book characters are forgetting the fairy tales, it’s up to three brave animals to find a human who still knows the stories, bring her back to their magic land and unscramble the mess before the tales and tails are gone forever. Perfect entertainment for pre-school and elementary children.

Middle Class & Second Class
May 31 & June 1 at 7:30 pm

Perfect for audiences 5th grade and up.

Commissioned by the Tony Award-Winning American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, these plays are serious yet light hearted. Each is a relevant and realistic portrayal of life in Middle and High School. The vignettes explore situations that take place outside the classroom, where perhaps, life’s most important experiences occur. We will let you be the judge.

“This is an important step in a legislative process that will ultimately result in a permanent home for the arts in downtown West Chester,” Dinniman, who made the motion to pass the bill, said. “I want to thank my Senate colleagues for their support of this endeavor. I am fully confident that we will get this bill through the Senate and signed by the governor.

The Uptown! Entertainment Alliance, a non-profit volunteer group of local residents, plans to turn the Armory, located at 226 N. High St., into a permanent theater for film and live performance.

The Senate committee approved a series of bills allowing the conveyance of 13 armories across the Commonwealth. Twelve of the 13 will go to the highest bidder. But due to work by the senator on behalf of the alliance, it will receive the armory in a direct conveyance. In so doing, the conveyance will protect the borough’s interests.

Since the bills have already been approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, following approval by the full Senate, they will be sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The Pennsylvania National Guard unit currently stationed at the armory, approximately 170 troops of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Battalion, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, is set to move into the new Coatesville Readiness Center in Sadsbury this fall.

The Uptown! Entertainment Alliance reached an agreement with the DMVA to acquire the 10,900-square-foot building for $760,000, provided that it be maintained and preserved in accordance with historic standards. The building, which was built in 1916 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits on 0.6 acres in West Chester’s historic district.

For more information about the Uptown! Entertainment Alliance visit http://www.uptownwc.org.

For more information, contact Senator Dinniman’s West Chester Office at (610) 692-2112, or e-mail acirucci@pasenate.com.

• By JEREMY GERRARD
  jgerrard@dailylocal.com
• Posted: Monday, 04/22/13

Photo courtesy of Greg Radford Architect, Board Member, Uptown! Entertainment Alliance, Preliminary space development plan showing the new proposed theater at the Armory.

2013 Annual Red Carpet Gala

WEST CHESTER – After finally finding a site for theater in the borough, members of the Uptown! Entertainment Alliance

are ready to kick off a capital campaign and begin the development phase.

“This is going to be fast,” said Richard May, Uptown treasurer and member manager of WC LLC. “We are going to have to really be racing through this process; we can’t take our good old time to be raising money this year.”

Recently Uptown!, which has pursued adding a theater to the borough’s central business district for years, reached an agreement with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to acquire the 10,900-square-foot National Guard Armory building for $760,000, provided that it be maintained and preserved in accordance with historic standards. The building, which was built in 1916 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits on 0.6 acres in West Chester’s historic district at 226 North High Street.

Since the announcement, the group has turned its efforts to fundraising. Representatives said will likely come from several large investors and some invested capital.

“We are in a serious fundraising effort because when this legislation comes though, every bit of money we got will be going out the door to the state and then we have to keep the lights on,” said Jim Salvas, Uptown! secretary [SIC].

The alliance is being supported in the purchase of the armory by a low-interest loan from West Chester Library, Labor & Capital LLC, or WC LLC, which was formed six years ago to help fund worthwhile public and private projects in West Chester.

May said the funding was used to initially provide assistance to renovations at the West Chester public library. After the library funding, May said the investors were interested in keeping the money in as a revolving fund to pursue various projects. Uptown! anticipates returning the money in a 10 year plan.

Other fundraising efforts will come from a founding member program or club the group plans to initiate where community members will be recognized as permanent VIP’s of the theater and hold a non-voting share in it. Another initiative is the sale of prints from a painting that local artist Richard Bollinger completed of the armory.

“We are confident we will be able to raise the money. We are just less confident in how quickly we can do it,” May said.

Salvas said at this point the group has about 1,000 local supporters, but they want to be able to get the whole community involved.

“We are looking for people who have a good reach throughout Chester County and really believe this is a good thing we are doing,” said Tom McEvoy, vice-president of Uptown!

Last week the group hosted a gala at the armory last week, both a celebration of the recent news and farewell for the departing troops. About 400 people packed the armory that night. Speaks included West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta, who gave a tribute to the troops, and state Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19th of West Whiteland, who discussed the current legislation. Before they can purchase the property, Harrisburg must pass Senate Bill 827, which will officially authorize the conveyance.

The Pennsylvania National Guard unit stationed at the armory — about 170 troops of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Battalion, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team — is set to move into the new Coatesville Readiness Center in Sadsbury this fall.

Dinniman announced at the event he is submitting Uptown! for a development grant which could raise $500,000 for the project, according to Uptown! representatives.

Funds raised from the event came out to more than $70,000, though that number is still growing.

“I think we have a good solid business plan it’s just a matter of carrying it out,” Salvas said.

With the aid of board members, the group has put together a preliminary space development which shows theater space with seating for about 400 people complete with a proscenium arch and wings along with a screen to show movies.

Plans for the front of the space include a café while the upper level can be used as a studio, lounge or office space that could potentially be rented out to businesses.

In the lower level, the group intends on having a kitchen functional for catering events, dressing rooms and more studio space for multi-purpose events. May said the goal of the theater is to be self-sustaining.

Follow Daily Local News staff writer Jeremy Gerrard on Twitter @JeremyGerrard.

A Unique Keepsake • A Unique Opportunity

Three Purchase Opportunities • Enter Shipping Address

“The Armory” – Richard Bollinger, 2013

Join a pivotal moment in our community’s history by owning this unique collectible.

Richard Bollinger presents his limited-edition print of our historic Armory to the National Guard troops in remembrance of their 100 years in the West Chester community.

Using PayPal Online Now, Support Uptown! and Own a Limited-Edition Bollinger print

Don’t have a PayPal account?
Use your credit card or bank account; choose and click a Donate button, then click Continue above the credit card logos.

•

IMPORTANT!
PayPal should return to uptownwc.org so you may enter shipping information.
Otherwise, please click Return to Uptown Entertainment Alliance or
manually return to enter your SHIPPING ADDRESS.

$100 Donation
plus $6 shipping

•  Limited Edition Print of “West Chester Armory”
• Signed by the Artist, Richard Bollinger

•

$150 Donation
Uptown! Founding Supporter

• Website Listing as an Uptown! Founding Supporter
• Pre-announcement Invitation to Opening Night at Uptown! Theater
• Special Recognition at Opening Night

•

$200 Donation
plus $6 shipping

Limited Edition Print AND Uptown! Founding Supporter

IMPORTANT!
PayPal should return to uptownwc.org so you may enter shipping information. Otherwise,
please click Return to Uptown Entertainment Alliance or manually return to enter your
SHIPPING ADDRESS.

The lineage of the 111th Infantry Regiment traces its origin to its founding as The Associators by Benjamin Franklin in 1747. They are the only ones who can officially fly the Franklin Flag, a privilege for the Red Carpet Gala to see.

Bravo Company is one of “the most honored” units in our armed forces, entitled to fly more battle streamers from its regimental flag than any other. They have served in almost every war, starting before the founding of our country with the French and Indian War and continuing on through recent deployments to Kosovo and Iraq.

Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Regiment is now part of the 56th Stryker Brigade, stretching across Pennsylvania. It is the only National Guard force equipped with advanced Stryker armored fighting vehicles, seen in the Armory parking lot.

The framed displays on the Armory’s drill hall wall are the uniforms and medals of two Bravo Company soldiers killed during their deployment to Iraq.

A continuously-running slide show illustrates historic photos of the West Chester Guard, including shots from the two world wars.

Ricard Bollinger will sign prints of his 2013 painting of the historic Armory; but he will personalize prints for each purchaser only during the Gala. The signed prints are $100 each; $200 buys the print and designation as a “Supporting Founder” of Uptown Entertainment Alliance’s new theater.

“Armory” • PAINTING by RICHARD BOLLINGER, 2013

From left to right, West Chester Borough Council President Holly Brown, UEA President Linda Foster, Sgt. London and Major John Mance, 1st Battalion, 111 Infantry Regiment, State Senator Andy Dinniman, UEA Vice President Tom McEvoy, UEA Secretary Tony Stancato, UEA Treasurer Richard May.

Uptown! Entertainment Alliance and Senator Dinniman
Announce Plans to Acquire Armory for Theater in West Chester

State Senator Andy Dinniman and Uptown! Entertainment Alliance (UEA) President Linda Foster today announced plans for the Alliance to acquire the historic Pennsylvania National Guard Armory (226 N. High St. in West Chester) for a theater. “The arts have been a pivotal part of West Chester’s redevelopment, and now–thanks to the work of the Uptown! Entertainment Alliance and so many others—the arts will have a permanent home right here in downtown West Chester,” Dinniman said at the gathering.

Foster announced that the organization, a nonprofit volunteer group of local residents dedicated to creating a permanent theater in West Chester Borough for film and live performance, has the necessary funding and resources to acquire the Armory. She also noted her organization will soon be kicking off a capital campaign for the extensive project of turning the Armory into a theater. Speaking of the work that has gone into this project, Foster said, “It isn’t just about bringing a theater to the community of West Chester, it is about bringing the community together and creating a sense of belonging.”

National Guard Unit to Move

Senator Dinniman has worked extensively with Jim Salvas, Marketing Chair of the UEA, to acquire the Armory from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The Pennsylvania National Guard unit stationed at the Armory—approximately 170 troops of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Battalion, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team—is set to move into the new Coatesville Readiness Center in Sadsbury.

The UEA agreed to buy the 10,900-square-foot Armory from the DMVA by direct conveyance (no bidding for the property) for $760,000—a 20% discount provided the UEA preserves and maintains the Armory according to historic standards. Built in 1916 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building sits on 0.6 acres in West Chester’s historic district.

Today Senator Dinniman introduced his Senate Bill 827 to officially authorize the conveyance. “I am fully confident that we will get this bill through the legislature and signed by the Governor,” Dinniman said. “This all started with an idea, and when I first became involved with this project more than two years ago, I knew that it was a great idea. I must also recognize all the members, volunteers, supporters and patrons of the Uptown! Entertainment Alliance for all their hard work in getting the ball rolling on bringing a theater to the borough.”

The West Chester LLC (West Chester Library, Labor & Capital)—formed six years ago to help fund worthwhile public and private projects in West Chester— supports the UEA by offering a low-interest loan to buy the Armory. Richard May, member manager of West Chester LLC said, “We are pleased to provide major funding for this acquisition, and we look forward to its new use as a theater serving our community.”

April 13 Red Carpet Gala to Support Armory Purchase

UEA board members also reminded residents and art lovers that they can see the Armory building used as an entertainment venue on Saturday, April 13, when the organization holds its second annual Red Carpet Gala. This festive and historic evening of live music, dancing and an auction will also be the community’s farewell to the National Guard troops who have called the Armory home for almost a century. Find more information on the Red Carpet Gala or Uptown! Entertainment Alliance at uptownwc.org.

“Armory” • PAINTING by RICHARD BOLLINGER, 2013

A copy of the official registration and financial information for the Uptown Entertainment Alliance may be obtained by calling the PA Department of State at 1-800-732-0900 (toll-free in PA). Registration does not imply endorsement. Uptown Entertainment Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN-45-3707844.

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

…IT’S A BANNER!  …AND IT WAS FLYING OVER MARKET STREET NEAR THE COURTHOUSE!

Armory Access & Parking

The Armory • PAINTING by RICHARD BOLLINGER, 2013

The Uptown! Entertainment Alliance’s Red Carpet Gala will be a unique and historic evening of live music, dancing, an auction, and our community’s farewell to the National Guard troops who called the Armory home for almost a century.

We will start with a short salute to the troops, recognizing their long and honorable history and their contributions to our community, our state and our country. Then Joel Roberts, winner of the 2013 Uptown! Songwriting Contest, will perform his crowd-pleasing songs. Finally, our headline act, The First Ladies of Rock & Soul, will entertain in style with their 14-piece band as we dance the night away in the Armory’s impressive Drill Hall, made festive for this evening.

Gala funds will finance our 2013-2014 programming and contribute toward creating a permanent theater in West Chester. The Armory itself is first on our list, and this will be our chance to use it as an entertainment venue.

JohnSerock Catering of West Chester will feed us.

Beverages from regional wineries and brewers will keep us quenched (two free drinks for each ticket).

Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery offers their 2011 Riesling and 2011 Rosé, both dry French-style wines made with locally-grown grapes at the award-winning Galer Estate Winery in Kennett Square. Galer welcomes you to try these wines at the Gala and asks you to visit their beautiful wine tasting room overlooking their vineyards just behind Longwood Gardens.

Penns Woods Winery offers their Merlot Reserve 2005, awarded a double gold medal by the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Penns Woods—run by winemaker Gino Razzi and his daughter, Carley—produces wines with grapes grown on PA vines. Their 30-acre property hosts 12 acres of vines and a tasting room overlooking the hills of Brandywine Wine Country in Chadds Ford, 15 minutes from Wilmington and 35 minutes from Philly. Think Globally, Drink Locally.

This will be a night for West Chester to remember, so dress in your party best!

The First Ladies of Rock and Soul turn the clock back to a time and place in music history that only comes around once. Or does it? This electrifying portrayal of the Girl Groups of the 1960′s will put you there.

JOEL ROBERTS

Joel Roberts, one of West Chester’s favorite singers and the winner of the 2013 Uptown! Songwriting Contest, performs personal music he describes as, “folksy with like a little bit of country roots.”

RED CARPET GALA TICKETS

Purchase tickets through Sponsorship Packages and for $100 each individually via EventBrite. Hurry. Last year’s Gala sold out fast! Gala funds finance our 2013-2014 programming and contribute to creating a permanent theater in West Chester.

Armory Access

Please contact us in advance at uea@uptownwc.org or 484-639-9004; we will arrange handicap access, which The National Guard Armory does not have yet due to its age and usage. Handicap parking is in the National Penn Bank (200 N. High) parking lot—enter on Patton Alley between the Armory and Bank.

Armory Parking

Handicap parking is in the National Penn Bank (200 N. High) parking lot—enter on Patton Alley between the Armory and Bank.
Back to Top