No Ash Lawn Opera in the Jeff

The Ash Lawn Opera Festival announced this morning that it will not be partnering with developer/music mogul Coran Capshaw in the renovation of the Jefferson Theater, saying the old theater "could not be adapted to meet the specialized needs of the opera company within its capital budget." Last August, the Company announced with great excitement that it was embarking on a $4.5 million capital campaign to pay for some of the $7.5 million in improvements slated for the Jefferson, which would have included an orchestra pit, dressing rooms, and advanced acoustics for the company. Capshaw will proceed with plans to renovate the theater as a live music and event facility, said the announcement.