The Bedford Playhouse has announced that renowned music producer Clive Davis has pledged substantial support towards the capital campaign that is funding the transformation of the Playhouse into a vibrant, state-of-the-art cultural center.
Mr. Davis is a five-time Grammy award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member. He is credited with discovering some of music’s biggest stars, including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Earth, Wind & Fire, Whitney Houston, and Alicia Keys. It’s little wonder he is known throughout the industry as “the man with the golden ears.”
The gift will establish the Clive Davis Arts Center at Bedford Playhouse. Within the Playhouse, the Davis Center will encompass all the arts programming offered beyond film, including music performances, theater, art exhibits, and stand-up comedy. The Center will receive prominent exposure, both inside and outside the theater.
“Clive Davis is a living legend in the music industry,” said Chairman of the Board Sarah Long. “We are so fortunate to have him engaged in this project in such a meaningful way. His wisdom, creativity and guidance will be invaluable.”
Founder John Farr observed: “Beyond all the other benefits of Clive’s support and involvement, our ability to brand the Clive Davis Arts Center will help us convey that we’re not just a beautifully renovated movie house, but also a vibrant cultural center. Some people still don’t realize the breadth of our mission and all we want to offer.”
As part of this gift, the forty-seat theater off the cafe on the first floor will be named “The Clive Davis Theater”, to be known as “The Clive”. Commented Farr, “I have a special feeling for this particular space. The dimensions of this theater are ideal, and it has a particularly intimate feel. It is a jewel.”
Mr. Davis, a local resident, commented, “I am thrilled to support the creation of the new Playhouse and its new Arts Center. I love this community and I strongly endorse the expanded mission of the Playhouse. This all seems like a perfect fit, and I can hardly wait for it to open!”
Bedford Playhouse plans a partial opening late this Spring. This will involve operating the downstairs portion of the new facility, including the main theater and concessions, for weekends only. Assuming that we complete our seat naming effort in the main theater over the next several months, the full opening is projected for later this year.
Learn more by visiting The Bedford Playhouse online here.