To Be or .....

We spend a lot of time, and I do mean A LOT OF TIME, in Norwich, Connecticut, waiting for 'The Big Thing to Happen.' So much time, in fact, we sometimes ignore a succession of small things that when added together would/could be A Big Thing. 

It's one of the reasons why I live here; I, too, hate math (as well as most of the math-hating folks as well). One of the things we lose sight of is how often and quickly 'lots of little things' add up. Engineers speak of critical mass, NOT as in let's mock the vestments the priest is wearing or critique his homily, 'but rather, the size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result.'

I'm setting you up, but keep critical mass in mind as I almost, but not really, change the subject (hold your questions).

Norwich has long been a center for arts and culture in Eastern Connecticut. Please consider attending a public presentation by Tom Evans and Jim Warren of the American Globe Center (AGC) on revitalizing Norwich as "Shakespeare Central" through Destination Theatre. 

The Public Informational presentation is in the City Council chambers of City Hall at 100 Broadway tomorrow night at 6:30pm and should last no more than 45 minutes. There will be an informal follow-up Q&A with the presenters at the Harp & Dragon (it is, after all, St Patrick's Day).

This is a not a pie-in-the sky daydream with the Beach Boys' Wouldn't It Be Nice? in the background. There have been discussions and informal meetings for a little over a year on re-creating Shakespeare's 1614-built Globe Theater right here in Norwich. Some residents have attended performances at Chestnut Street Theater or have been in small group meetings discussing the potential, but we've come to the place where the road and sky collide. 

The AGC is intended/designed to be the nation's largest destination for theatre, incorporating a timber-frame re-creation of Shakespeare's 1614 Globe Theatre alongside a modern performing arts and education center. 

This plan projects over $100 million annually in economic development opportunities and includes the creation of new businesses and the growth of existing ones here in the Rose City. 

The AGC will draw 300,000 cultural tourists annually, with hundreds of jobs both within the AGC and in surrounding hospitality services, establishing Norwich as the new "Shakespeare Central". 

Beyond the “dollars and cents” of a regional attraction, the AGC will also bring significant cultural outreach, with educational and enrichment opportunities and access to theater and the arts for all members of the community.

Fun fact(s): The original Globe Theatre sat on the banks of the River Thames in London, and this one would sit on the Thames River in Norwich. 

And there's a local connection as well. The Mohegan Royal Burial Ground is less than a mile from the proposed Norwich location while the original Globe is less than a mile from the ceremonial burial site of Mohegan tribal Sachem Mahomet Weyonomon, who sailed to England in 1735 to petition King George II for the return of those very same burial grounds, only to die of smallpox on that trip. He is buried and memorialized near Southwark Chapel in London.
Coincidence? Perhaps, but what did Einstein say about coincidence? 

If you've been looking for a way to speed the revitalization of Norwich, this may be an opportunity for you to find your part in the play and help the continuing comeback of The Rose of New England.

See you tomorrow night?
-bill kenny