“HO! HO! HEY! HEY NEAR WEST THEATRE BREAKS GROUND TODAY!!”

That is what the crowd shouted as the poles were placed into the ground marking where the new Near West Theatre will be built. The naming and claiming of the land for the new Near West Theatre was filled with love and excitement from the members of the theatre as well as the community. Bob Navis and Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek led the crowd with words of inspiration, and there were performances from theatre members.

Councilman Matt Zone was involved in the groundbreaking ceremony, and later spoke to the crowd that gathered at Capital Theatre about how important this was for the community as a whole. Also speaking were Councilman Joe Cimperman and Mayor Frank Jackson, who also shared why this is so important.

This was a celebration that was 35 years in the making. For full coverage of this event, stay tuned to TV20 when it airs next week!