Adams Theater Fundraiser Gains $20K First Week

The stage at the long-closed theater is being expanded and the floor leveled to provide more flexibility in its use. 

ADAMS, Mass. — A fundraiser for the Adams Theater has brought in more than $20,000 in donations and pledges since it began last week, as progress on the theater's renovation continues. 

Contributions to the fundraiser will support costs associated with theater programming for the 2023 season. Yina Moore, founder and executive director of the theater, said she is happy to see so much community support for the theater. 

"I think it was just overwhelmingly positive. It was very touching for me," she said. "Because in the beginning when we started this project, you know, you always have maybe 5 percent of the naysayers or the nonbelievers. But now it's just like 99 percent overwhelmingly positive." 

As of Sept. 1, the theater has raised just under $18,000 of its $80,000 fundraising goal online. Another $5,500 in donations, according to Moore, is arriving via check. 

The fundraiser will end with a benefit concert by the piano group Two Piano Journey on Nov. 11. The mother and son team, Michelle Chen Kuo and Christopher Kuo, is currently touring to raise money for philanthropic and charitable organizations. 

"Chris is just an amazing, entrepreneur-minded person," Moore said. "He's grown their organization much, much bigger. Then he started to have a series of nonprofits that he believes in, and he will fundraise for the same group over and over again." 

The duo has raised $1,456,000 for its partners since 2016. Moore, who knew Christopher Kuo from her previous career, said he has visited Adams several times to learn more about the project, bringing a videographer on one trip to help get footage to promote the event. 

"I was going back and forth about whether we should do it this year or not. But I thought that, since we have this renovation, if we just keep pushing for it and have a goal to work towards, then something will happen." 

In addition to raising money for programming, Moore said she hopes the fundraiser helps community members feel more involved in the advancement of the theater. 

"The intention is to make people feel a part of the progress, and then they have a say in how the theater could be further developed," she said. "Nowadays, everybody can express their opinion. They can come to an event, they can say what they like and don't know what they're inspired to see more. 

Renovation work is still ongoing in both the theater and retail sections. Recently, the marquee at the front of the building was updated with new lettering and lights. 

Workers are extending the stage and flattening the floor of the theater space, as the original flooring was inclined. 

"I think it was [going for] that amphitheater kind of feeling," said George LeMaitre, one of the people working on the theater construction. "... I would have thought it would have just been flat, which would be much easier." 

Once finished, the theater space will be adjustable, allowing the space to be reorganized depending on the event. 

Those interested in learning more about the fundraising campaign can learn more here.

After More Than a Century, Heating Failure Puts Adams Turners' Future at Risk