SPRINGFIELD, MO., April 24, 2022 – Drury University cordially invites local media to the private grand opening ceremony of the newly renovated James and Patricia Spangler Concert Hall at Clara Thompson Hall in the Mabee Preforming Arts Center on Thursday, April 27 .
In 2022 James and Patricia Spangler, 1961 Drury graduates, graciously donated $1 million to support the renovations to Clara Thompson Hall, including the foyer, auditorium, stage, lighting, technology, sound system and dressing room. Clara Thompson was built in 1926 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The space houses Drury’s Music Department and is used as a classroom and performance space for concerts, recitals and guest speakers.
“Jim and Patt have created a beautiful legacy with the renovation and naming of the James and Patricia Spangler Concert Hall. Their generosity and willingness to step up for Drury is both heartwarming and humbling,” said Marie Muvic, Executive Vice President for University Advancement. “As we embark upon Drury’s 150th anniversary, we are proud that the Spangler’s legacy will live on. What a perfect time to recommit to the spaces and dedicated faculty which, together, have transformed the student experience for 150 years and will continue for many more.”
The private reception will start at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of Clara Thompson Hall and include comments from Interim President John Beuerlein, James and Patricia Spangler and Allin Sorenson, Dean of the School of Communication & Fine and Performing Arts. The ribbon cutting is planned for 6:50 p.m.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the public is invited to the first concert in the newly renovated space where the Drury Jazz Ensemble and Erica Spyres ’06 will perform. Spyres is an actress, singer and violinist who was recently seen in the Broadway production of Carousel. She has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad appearing in the first national tour of Once, in the Parisian premiere of Sondheim’s Passion opposite Natalie Dessay and conducted by Andy Einhorn (Théâtre du Châtelet), and on tour as a soloist with the Boston Pops.
The public concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.
