Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

William Hanney
Journal file photo/ Sandor Bodo

BEVERLY, Mass. (AP) -- A Rhode Island theater owner plans to buy the defunct North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly and reopen for performances by spring.

William Hanney tells The Salem News he has signed a purchase and sales agreement with Citizens Bank to buy the property and expects to close the deal soon. Citizens bought the theater at auction last month for $3.6 million.

The 54-year-old facility went out of business in June under $10 million in debt. The property, including 26 acres and three buildings, is assessed at $12 million.

The city has scheduled a hearing for Dec. 10 on a request by Hanney to continue to operate the property as a theater.

Hanney owns Theatre by the Sea in the Matunuck section of South Kingstown, R.I., as well as 10 cinemas across New England.

 Tags  R.I. South Kingstown Theatre by the Sea William Hanney

Comments

jlc said:

That is wonderful news.My friends and I have been taking day trips to this theater for a couple of years and we very disappointed that they were not able to open since last year despite all their fund raising.The shows are are done in the round(no bad seats),very handicap accessible.They have outdoor sitting areas that encourage you to come early,and the theater itself is located in a nice wooded area just off the highway.And free parking.We have seen some of our Trinity Rep regulars here also.

Link | November 24, 2009 11:04 AM
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