BRIDGEPORT — The Klein Memorial Auditorium will unveil the first building addition in its 85-year history on Aug. 15 at a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.
The $3.8 million project, largely funded through state bonds and some funds from the City of Bridgeport, includes the installation of an elevator, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, a conference room, and three new offices.
Earlier phases of the project included technical upgrades to the theater’s lighting, audio, and video projection systems, new carpeting, and an exterior digital billboard to promote upcoming events. The technical upgrades have mostly eliminated rental costs for audio and lighting equipment.
The Klein at 910 Fairfield Ave. has also hosted the prestigious Bridgeport Film Festival on its 30-foot screen since its inception in 2021. The popular event returns for its fifth year during the weekend of Sept. 12-14.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and state Sen. Herron Gaston have been invited to officiate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Later that evening the students of Klein Theatre Arts will stage the second performance of their summer production, “Fame, Jr.”
Klein Executive Director Laurence Caso explained the changes to the new wing at the theater.
“Our new wing increases accessibility and provides much-needed spaces for our operations and arts education programs,” Caso said.”Just as our technical upgrades have led to increased revenues and economic activity, the elevator, restroom and offices will greatly enhance the patron experience.”
Earlier this summer, The Klein released a partial list of many luminary artists who performed on its stage since 1940.
Some of those performers include:
Martin Luther King Jr.
George W. Bush
Eleanor Roosevelt
Donald Trump
Leonard Bernstein
Isaac Stern
Perry Como
Van Cliburn
Victor Borge
Duke Ellington
Lunt & Fontanne
Ray Charles
Gloria Swanson
The Temptations
Frederic March
Marion Anderson
Arthur Rubinstein
Nelson Eddy
Buddy Guy
Robert Wagner
BB King
Bob Newhart
Chicago
George Carlin
Vienna Boys Choir
Beach Boys
Taj Mahal
Gilberto Santa Rosa
Carly Simon
Boz Scaggs
Lyle Lovett
Los Lobos
Doobie Brothers
Pat Benatar
Other more contemporary performers who appeared at The Klein include:
Jewell
KD Lang
Boyz II Men
LL Cool J
Whoopi Goldberg
