ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tarlton Corporation is serving as general contractor on the $9.5 million renovation to The Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, situated in the heart of St. Louis’ historic Forest Park.
Following the recent completion of its 108th season, The Muny began working with Tarlton on a complete renovation of its century-old auditorium and the removal and replacement of the theater’s 10,500-plus seats, installed 25 years ago. In addition, Tarlton is:
- Improving audience sight lines and introducing premium seating configurations in some underutilized sections of the theater
- Installing new upgraded aisle lighting throughout the theater to enhance patron safety
- Removing and replacing the sound mix position to improve functionality, creating a better working environment and accommodating future technological needs
- Removing and reinstalling cross aisles between sections A/B and B/C to improve sight lines and accessibility
- Introducing trench drains at the cross aisles for better overall stormwater management, safeguarding automation equipment, sound gear and musical instruments
- Refinishing existing railings
“This is a transformational investment that will help ensure our theater continues to serve artists, audiences and our community for generations,” said Kwofe Coleman, president and chief executive officer of The Muny. “By caring for our historic home, we’re protecting a St. Louis treasure while strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional musical theatre that is accessible to all. Our friends at Tarlton helped lead the way on our 2018 stage and backstage renovation, and we’re grateful to partner with them again on a project that will shape The Muny’s future for decades to come.”
“The broad range of work on this project is unique to The Muny, St. Louis and our industry,” said Andrew Nelch, Tarlton vice president and project executive. “From the onset of material coordination and laydown planning through extensive demolition and critical concrete work (including structural concrete), Tarlton will be leveraging the full strength of our capabilities, expertise and resources. From the ground up to the installation of new seating from the top down, we will carefully navigate The Muny’s existing, historic auditorium structures throughout the course of this project.”…