The Lehigh Valley Trust Building was a magnificent setting for the launch of a magnificent new project for Civic Theatre of Allentown: “The Next Act: Setting the Stage for the Future,” a $5.5-million Capital Campaign to return “the historic 19th Street Theatre to its original splendor as a landmark arts facility and focal point of Art Deco architecture.”

The capital campaign is said to be the most ambitious project in the history of the 88-year-old theater.

Greg. L. Butz, Capital Campaign Co-Chair, said $2 million of the campaign is to be provided by a Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a Commonwealth grant program for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. The RACP grant must be matched by $2.5-million raised by Civic, with half of that amount already raised, Butz announced at the Nov. 15 campaign launch.

Christine Taylor, Capital Campaign Honorary Co-Chair, attended and spoke of how becoming an actor in feature films (“Dodgeball,” 2004; ”Zoolander,” 2001; “The Wedding Singer,” 1998; “The Brady Bunch Movie,” 1995) and television shows (“Arrested Development,” 2005-2013; “Hey Dude,” 1989-1991), began in 1980 with classes she took at Civic’s Theatre School.

Among the estimated 180 attendees, Taylor singled out JoAnn Wilchek Basist, who directed her in a theater school production of “Grease” at Civic. ”I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for you,” Taylor said of Wilchek Basist.

Concerning her experience studying theater at Civic, Taylor said, “I really grew not only as an actor, but as a person.”

Taylor also spoke of the caliber of Civic Theatre stage show productions. Of Civic’s May 2016 production of “Assassins,” she said, “It took my breath away. And, really, the quality, frankly, was Broadway-caliber in actors and production. It was like Broadway transformed from there to 19th Street.”

Turning to the campaign goal, Taylor quipped, “We’re all here to give a little to what used to be called Civic Little Theatre.”

Zachary Jaindl, Capital Campaign Honorary Co-Chair, spoke of the 19th Street Theatre’s architectural features, which are to be highlighted in the restoration. The building’s infrastructure, including heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), will be upgraded. There will be new seats, with the capacity to stay the same at approximately 500 seats.

“A lot of our heritage is in buildings like these,” Jaindl said, referring to the art-deco 19th Street Theatre, and the Lehigh Trust Building, owned by Jaindl Properties, which is developing The Waterfront along the Lehigh River, Allentown.

Capital Campaign Co-Chairs, in addition to Butz, are Dr. Barry Glassman, Sharon Lee Glassman and Jane Heft.

Said Barry Glassman, “Civic Theatre is not just a community theater. We are a professionally-run theater.”

There are numerous gift levels available for the campaign. Those interested are to contact John Hedges, Civic Theatre Managing Director.

Among the improvements are Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and bringing backstage areas up to code.

Phase One of the 19th Street Theatre project, to start in April 2017, is expected to begin with HVAC work in the basement of the theater at 527 N. 19th St., according to Tom Daniels, Senior Project Manager, Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Also, Civic staff offices will be relocated to the second floor of Theatre514.

Phase Two includes restoration of the main theater, ceiling and upgrading the lobby.

Phase Three emphasizes renovation of the second floor rehearsal and classroom space.

Time frame for completion of the project is one year to 18 months. Civic operations are to continue during the work.

A video testimony featured comments from the Capital Campaign celebrity committee, including Valley natives with Civic ties: Dane DeHaan, film actor; Tim Heidecker, comedian; Michael McDonald, Tony costume designer nominee; Oakes Fegley, actor, and Daniel Roebuck, film and TV actor. Also featured: Joe Mantello, Tony Award-winning director, and Terrence McNally, Tony Award-winning playwright.