The recent opening of the Inn at Middletown and increasing prestige of Middletown restaurants have added to the town’s status as a culturally flourishing area. Now, Mayor Dominique Thornton has taken another significant step toward this cultural expansion by inviting Goodspeed Operahouse to join the Middletown community. President Bennet immediately stepped forward to support the potential move by attending a meeting with the Goodspeed Board of Trustees and publishing an opinion piece in the Hartford Courant.
Bennet’s involvement, which is a clear vote of support for the Middletown community, will strengthen town-gown relations and open Wesleyan’s gates to new theatrical possibilities. The Opera House would become another draw for tourists from around the state and would boost Middletown’s already growing economy. Middletown is on the right track, and Goodspeed would help it stay there.
The Opera House is not only a good idea for Middletown. For students, the center would provide opportunities for many levels of involvement, including possible internships and student discounts on performances at a professional venue. Goodspeed itself would benefit from an available student body and growing cultural community, and the University would reap the rewards of an enriched location.
Now that Bennet has made his stand, it is up to him and the rest of the University to follow through. Students can find out more about Goodspeed by visiting www.goodspeed.org, and can send e-mails to the organization to encourage their move to Middletown. As for President Bennet, he should be congratulated for his endorsement and encouraged to stay on track. Hopefully between Bennet and Mayor Thornton, enough encouragement will be fostered to bring Goodspeed Operahouse to Middletown.
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