Quantum Theatre, a company that doesn’t believe in the use of traditional performing spaces, is coming to Bloomfield with its latest production, Leonard Bernstein’s Candide. For this production, Quantum Theatre decided to make use of the old Don Allen Auto City Chevrolet building for its unique ability to connect with the audience, and also to add its own level of interpretation. Candide is a play about the best of all possible worlds, and by having it in this abandoned car company, Quantum Theatre adds a new layer of irony. With the failing car industry and the economy, an empty garage is the perfect location for a play that looks at the disillusionment of an optimist.

A big aspect of Quantum Theatre and its productions is the company’s goal to bring unique experiences to people who don’t usually get them. “We like to bring something you don’t usually see to people, and show that these things can happen where you live,” said Karla Boos, the artistic director of Quantum Theatre. “We made a small chamber for this production to really connect with the audiences. It’s not often that you get a chance to hear voices this big in a space this size.”

Laurie Klatscher (the Old Lady) and Nicole Ann Kaplan (Cunegonde)
Photo Courtesy of Heather Mull

By having it in the old Chevrolet building, the company ensures that patrons of the show will definitely be getting a unique experience. The stage was built in-the-round, and gives the audience 360 degrees of action. In the center of the stage is where the orchestra sits and allows for interaction that isn’t usually available to shows, and the play’s music follows with this idea of connecting with the audience. “A couple of the pieces are well known, especially the songs ‘Easily Assimilated’ and the finale,” said Andres Cladera, the musical director for the play.

For show times and tickets, look under the 2009–2010 season on the Quantum Theatre website.

Promoting Neighborhood Businesses

Because Quantum Theatre is always looking to perform in unique spaces, they feel it is important to promote the neighborhoods where they perform. “We usually think about the property first and what we want the space to be, then we look at the neighborhood,” said Boos. Quantum’s productions usually bring in between 2,000 and 5,000 patrons to the area over a show’s run. For this production of Candide, the theater can hold over 250 people each night, and therefore offers a unique opportunity for businesses in the area.

“We try and encourage people to stay in the neighborhood before and after the show,” said René Conrad, Quantum’s managing director. “We offer discounted tickets, flyers, and parties for local businesses to try and get them involved in the promotion of our productions. We also work with businesses to offer discounts to our patrons to try and promote business in the neighborhood.”

Promotional materials for Quantum Theatre’s Candide are available from the BDC.

If you would like to promote your business to theatre patrons, you can call the Bloomfield Development Corporation at 412-681-8800. We have posters, flyers and wallet cards that we can give you, and we will put you in touch with René Conrad to discuss some of the promotional options available.

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