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Boston's Morning Newsletter
Arlington's historic Regent Theatre is looking for a new owner
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
Quick! Let’s get to the news, before Connecticut’s feral hogs get any closer.
Want to own a historic local theater? Now’s your chance. Arlington’s 108-year-old Regent Theatre is looking for someone to take over the business. Richard Stavros, the principal owner of the Regent since 1993, announced today he plans to retire and is seeking a new operator.
- The current ownership group wants to ensure the property doesn’t end up being redeveloped into apartments or office space, as has been proposed in the past. So, the future buyer must be committed to keeping the live events and movie house — and its eclectic programming — as is. Leland Stein, one of Stavros’ business partners, told WBUR’s Dave Faneuf it’s “more or less a turnkey operation.” “We’ve got the promoters, we’ve got the events, we’ve got the audience, the mailing list, the technology, the equipment,” Stein said.
- What’s next: Stein says they’re hoping to transition ownership as early as this fall. “We’ve got plenty of programming to keep us busy right through the year, even into next year,” he said.
- Fun fact: When it was first built in 1916, the Regent included eight full-length bowling alleys and a pool hall in the basement. (The underground bowling alley was replaced decades ago by first a food co-op and, now, a rehearsal and performance space.)
Meanwhile in Brookline: The beloved Coolidge Corner Theatre just announced this morning its much-anticipated $14 million expansion will open to the public next Wednesday, March 27.
- Sneak peek: The bigger space features a second, larger concessions area, an indoor ticketing counter and two new theaters (one of which has bright red seats and walls). WBUR’s Andrea Shea has a look inside — with lots of photos — right here.
This isn’t Loon Mountain Mardi Gras: Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is calling for “major changes” to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston — or else! In an interview with WBUR’s Amy Sokolow, the longtime Southie resident said he and other neighbors have grown “disgusted” with the “rowdy” parade crowds. (At least 11 arrests were made for things like public drinking and fighting.) “Some people are here to celebrate our veterans and our military families,” Flynn told Amy. “Other people use this as an opportunity to drink alcohol excessively and participate in a Mardi Gras atmosphere. We can’t have that any longer.”
- If the behavior continues, Flynn says he’ll push for future St. Patrick’s Day parades to be moved somewhere downtown. While the City Council doesn’t have direct control over permitting the parade, Flynn said it’s his responsibility as an elected official to advocate for his fellow South Boston residents.
- FYI: The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, which organizes the parade, had no comment on Flynn’s remarks.
ICYMI: Gov. Maura Healey is making it clear how she would vote on the potential Massachusetts ballot question to do away with the MCAS exam as a high school graduation requirement: N-O. “I think that assessment is important,” Healey said yesterday on Radio Boston. “We need to be able to assess how our young people are doing. So I do not support getting rid of MCAS.” The governor added her administration is more focused on how to help the roughly 700 students each year who don’t get a diploma because they failed the test.
- Why it matters: While her education secretary recently said the administration is against the ballot question, Healey’s comments were the first time she stated opposition herself. (During her 2022 campaign, Healey said she was open to MCAS reforms.)
Twenty years later: The Red Sox are planning to honor members of the 2004 curse-breaking World Series championship team at their April 9 home opener at Fenway Park. According to the team, “all members “of the 2004 squad have been invited, though the confirmed attendees won’t be announced until closer to the game.
- The Sox will also honor one member who won’t be there — the late Tim Wakefield — by wearing a heart-shaped jersey patch bearing the knuckleballer’s number, 49, all season. WBUR’s Katie Cole has more details on the planned tribute here.
P.S.— Remember, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will be at CitySpace tonight at 6 p.m. for a live town hall conversation with WBUR’s Rupa Shenoy. Click here to get the livestream and submit your questions!
