Millennium Returns To The Fold

After a four-year absence, the Millennium Repertory Company finally returns to the Manchester Arts Center.
Representatives from both non-profit organizations signed an agreement Wednesday night in the MAC's theater.
Millennium had produced theatrical productions at the arts center, beginning in 1996 with Barefoot In The Park, until the two separate groups, broke from each other, following the destruction by fire of the original MAC building at 909 Hillsboro Boulevard, on December 3, 2006. Since that time, Millennium has been producing plays at various venues in the area.
Noel Clements, Millennium president, said over the last few years, Millennium has held productions at the Hands-on Science Center, Duck River Utility Commission building, Franklin County Library and Bean's Creek Winery.
“We also, along with the Community Playhouse and South Jackson Civic Center, produced Beyond the Rain by Weldon Payne,” said Clements. “We've been kind of floating around.”
During this time, the Manchester Municipal Arts Commission, acquired a new building, located at 128 East Main Street, with their first production in May of 2008.
In 2010, Millennium also attempted to establish a theater on the Manchester square. Although Millennium performed two successful productions there, due to its small size, the building was “not quite what we were looking for,” said Clements.
Melissa Cartwright, MMAC chairman, sees the time spent apart as a good learning experience for both organizations.
“I think we both saw we needed each other,” said Cartwright. “I think they learned the (difficulties) in having a building and paying insurance costs, and we saw the difficulties in paying for the productions and finding the people to do it.”
Cartwright said that she wanted MMAC and Millennium to bridge their differences for a long time.
"Right after the fire was when things fell apart," said Cartwright. “Things were said at a time of crisis that created a wedge between the two groups.”
MAC and Millennium have been in negotiations for almost two years.
“Joel Muehlhauser and Weldon Payne were both instrumental in talking to both sides to see what needed to be worked out,” said Cartwright. “I think it is going to be extremely positive for Manchester and the surrounding area.”
Weldon Payne, a local playwright and artist, agrees.
"I think we have one of the best theaters in Middle Tennessee," said Weldon "And we need everybody together."
Cartwright said that Millennium will cover the cost of productions, while retaining the box office receipts. MMAC will be able to receive money from sponsorships, in addition to the rent Millennium will pay for use of the facility.
According to Clements, Millennium will produce five “main stage” plays during the rest of 2011. The first, Dearly Departed will open on May 13. The abbreviated season will also include The Diary of Anne Frank.
Clements also said that Millennium will also work with MMAC to establish a “black box” theater at the MAC, to hold small productions, a reader's theater, and lectures.
"It's taken a lot of negotiations on both sides (for the joint venture)," said Joel Muelhauser, MMAC treasurer of the Manchester Municipal Arts Commission, which manages the arts center. "And we've come through some difficult times. But I think we are going to have a good organization now. It's going to work out best for the community, the Millennium and the Manchester Municipal Arts Commission.”
“It's a win, win, win situation."