Lights dim, curtain draws closed
After a couple of weeks holding us in suspense, Franklin Street institution the Varsity Theater finally closed its doors. Owner Bruce Stone said the theater has struggled financially.
“This is a business decision, a bottom-line decision. The numbers currently don’t support the continuation of both theaters as viable enterprises,†said Stone, who also owns the Chelsea Theater in Timberlyne. “The Varsity especially has been struggling for over two years, with no prospect of an upturn any time soon.â€
Stone said that many of the Varsity’s struggles are tied to traffic and parking concerns in the Franklin Street area.
“We have been in the Varsity for nine challenging but enjoyable years,†he said. “Our landlord has been understanding and supportive throughout our tenure. We of course regret this development but recognize that this change is entirely necessary.â€
Stone plans to continue operating the Chelsea.
More patio please
If you’ve strayed near the corner of Rosemary Street and Pritchard Avenue of late on a weekend night, you may have noticed that the patio at La Residence is considerably more lively than it was when the place was known more for its fine-dining experience inside.
La Rez owners are clearly enjoying the success and have set about making improvements.
Sculpture watch
Not sure just when the “temporary†wood sculpture next to Spanky’s will hit the woodpile, but since we wrote about it a couple of weeks ago, more reviews have poured in. We imagine the town is hearing the same things we are, which boil down to (and we’re putting this politely) “nice try.â€