OREANDA-NEWS. On 05 February 2009 was announced, that building of the Musical Theatre of Karelia will be ready to receive spectators on the Day of the Republic which is traditionally celebrated on June 8. By this time all restoration works in the theatre will be completed, new technical equipment will be established, new theatrical performances will be prepared.

The course of works on this important object of culture of Karelia was discussed on February, 2 at the planning meeting of the Government of the republic. As the Assistant to the Prime Minister of the Government of the RK and Minister of Construction Valery Momotov has informed, repairing of the theatre building has come to its final stage. Since the repair works have been started, builders have dismantled all the old constructions and internal engineering networks, have assembled external engineering networks, reconstructed the orchestra, replaced internal electro supply networks. Restoration of columns, sculptural groups, repair of modeled decor of the building facade, installation of external illumination of facades of the building, restoration of stucco work and painting of the auditorium are completed. Repairing of the stylobate, facing of the front porch of the theatre are completed. Restoration of lusters of the auditorium and the foyer of 2nd floor, as well as installation of internal networks and ventilation systems, technological and light equipment come to the end. Total cost of major overhaul of the theatre today makes 365,65 million rubles.

Earlier all works in the theatre building were planned to be dome by March, 8. However, additional works and additional financing were required during the repair process, and all this postponed the completion deadline. This year it is supposed to complete restoration of marble steps, replace the stage floor constructions, to carry out road works near the building, to prepare curtains for the stage, to purchase musical instruments. Even the hangers with which, as the saying goes, any theatre begins, had to be repaired. According to the Minister of Culture and Public Relations of the RK Galina Brun, first, it was expected to only to restore them, although later it has appeared that they need serious repairing, too.

Builders plan to put the object in commission by April, 30, and then equipping of the building with the necessary theatrical facilities will begin. As Galina Brun has told, chairs for the auditorium are ready, the ballet troupe is made up, and recruitment of the basic troupe of the theatre has begun. The first performances with which the theatre will open its first season in the renovated building will be Romeo and Juliet ballet and Traviata opera.