New London Main Street board member Patricia Butler recently sat down to interview Steve and Jeanne Sigel, Executive Director and Marketing and Development Director respectively, of the Garde Arts Center about their firsthand experiences with running a live theater. Without consulting each other, they delightfully responded to a variety of questions about theater, business, and the role of the arts in New London. New London Main Street thanks them for their candor!

What is the most unusual event you’ve presented at the Garde?

Jeanne Sigel: Oh Calcutta! I believe the audience came to see who else came to see the show. It was so popular we had to add a second performance.

Steve Sigel: Perhaps the Flying Wallendas doing a high wire act over the audience, or the live animals from the Italian circus prancing around on stage. Well, the horses pranced; the elephants were just dumbstruck staring at the elephant murals on the walls.

What has been your favorite Garde event?

Jeanne: My all-time favorite was David Byrne, founding member and songwriter of the band “Talking Heads.” His concert at the Garde was “choreographed” music and a sight to behold. I wish we could get him back (hint, hint, Steve).

Steve: There are too many favorites to count: performers like Hal Holbrook, Ellen DeGeneres, George Carlin, Itzhak Perlman; the Film festivals; Broadway touring shows, children’s events, and memorably, Marvin Hamlisch calling the crew of the USS Fulton up on stage to recognize their work removing old boilers and sprucing up lobbies and dressing rooms during the renovation.

What dream act would you love to see on the Garde stage?

Jeanne: Comedy – Robin Williams, Music – Julian Lennon, Author – Tom Friedman.

Steve: How about week-long runs of Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffet, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, and Cirque du Soleil? Dreams usually stay just that, but the Garde was a dream once, and it has done pretty well.

Celtic Crossroads will be playing in your cabaret venue, The Oasis Room, in July. How is that space different from the theater?

Jeanne: The Oasis Room, our new 125-seat intimate performance space, is just steps away from the Pfizer Mezzanine. It has a private bar, comfortable seating, and is a favorite of many patrons who come to have a drink with friends before a show.

What do you remember most about the renovation in 1998-99?

Jeanne: I will always remember then-Board President Carl Stoner stenciling over the right archway. Under the tutelage of two theater restoration consultants, over 120 volunteers and artists sponge- painted and stenciled all the original murals.

Steve: Everyday was a challenge, and the restoration still goes on. One highlight was the Fire Marshall’s last minute approval for us to open, while the marquee was still being secured to the new grand entrance.

Is there anyone still in New London who went to the Garde movie theater as a child?

Steve: Tons of people have memories of going to the Garde between 1926 and 1976 when it was a commercial movie theater. Dr. Joe Castanza, hale and hearty, a former Garde trustee, jazz musician, and community leader, remembers going to the opening of the Garde on September 26, 1926. Joe later played in the Garde orchestra pit for some of the live shows.

What is the hardest part of your job?

Steve: Raising sufficient funds to maintain and program the facility to the extent the community deserves.

Jeanne: Knowing that wonderful shows are not always sold out.

If you received a grant for $100,000, how would you spend it?

Steve: Invest it immediately in a facilities maintenance fund.

Jeanne: Fix the Marquee, replace the front doors, and repair the exterior back wall.

What is your biggest business challenge right now?

Steve: Generating the community support to fund desperately needed backstage expansion, additional staff and programming resources.

Jeanne: We are currently winding down the 2009 season as we gear up for the 2010-11 Season. There are never enough hours in the day.

Do you ever go into the theater when it is empty and sit? What thoughts go through your mind?

Jeanne: Absolutely! I think just how lucky I am to be able to be a part of something that does so much for so many.

Steve: How nice the seats and view are.

Is there a Garde Arts theater ghost?

Steve: The Garde has a traditional “ghost light”, a single bulb atop a standing lamp left on stage at night. Legend has it that the light scares away the ghosts of bad performances. If there are spirits at the Garde, I hope they consider buying tickets or donating their magic to the world of theater.

Jeanne: Our doors are open for one and all – should the bright lights of the theater attract the energies of those who have passed on – they are, of course, welcome to take a seat and enjoy the show!

What motivates you to devote yourself to the Garde Art Theater?

Jeanne: My motivation is simple. I believe that the Garde is a place that brings people of all ages and walks of life together in a beautiful place to experience the wonders of life. A Broadway musical, a local talent show, your child’s graduation, all means getting off your couch and being together to laugh, to cry, to cheer for something wonderful happening - live - before your very eyes. How lucky are we?

Steve: Reminding myself that each day is a new opportunity to have an extraordinary impact on the individuals and communities we serve.

When are the Neville Brothers coming back (hint, hint )?

Jeanne: That’s a question for Steve.

Steve: When another sponsor comes along to cover the costs.

(If you are interested in sponsoring the Nevilles, please contact Steve immediately.)

Visit www.gardearts.org to check out upcoming performances and purchase your tickets today!

The Garde Arts Center
325 State Street
New London, CT
Tickets: 860-444-7373