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Tuesday, June 1 at 8 p.m. – Restoring a Masterpiece: The Renovation of Eastman Theatre

(Rochester, NY) – Restoring a Masterpiece: The Renovation of the Eastman Theatre, a WXXI production, premieres on Tuesday, June 1 at 8 p.m., and again at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV (DT21.1/cable 1011 and 11). Narrated by Rochester native, actor and director Philip Seymour Hoffman, the one-hour documentary captures the fascinating story of the Eastman Theatre and documents its recent restoration. Historic photographs, film, and video – including live performances from the Eastman School and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) among others.

Rochester’s Eastman Theatre was built as a silent movie theatre in the years just before “talkies” changed the entire movie going experience. Yet “The Eastman,” as it is known locally, fulfilled a vision to be a center for arts and culture for the City of Rochester. It became home to a prominent music school and philharmonic orchestra. It launched careers, hosted stars, and stood the test of time. With its major renovation completed, the new Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre is poised to be a jewel in the crown of a new downtown Rochester.

Shot in high-definition, Restoring a Masterpiece: The Renovation of the Eastman Theatre showcases the intricate renovation of a building that is itself a work of art. At the same time, it tells the story of the intertwined histories of the Eastman School of Music and the RPO, and demonstrates how a building can have a new life in the restoration of an historic downtown.

Production funding for the film is provided by The Pike Company, PAETEC, Louise Epstein, and Keith & Betsy Wilson.

Restoring a Masterpiece: The Renovation of the Eastman Theatre will also air on Monday, June 7 ay 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV. To learn more about the production, visit: http://interactive.wxxi.org/eastman.

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