The vast former world headquarters of Reader’s Digest off Roaring Brook Road in Chappaqua is being resurrected as an upscale mixed-development community known as Chappaqua Crossing. As part of that repurposing, the former Wallace Auditorium, built in 1986, is having its own Act II, as the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, or ChapPAC. Standing Ovation Studios’ artistic director John Fanelli, who was appointed by the New Castle Town Board, will serve as ChapPAC’s artistic director.
“My goal is to have one of the premier arts facilities in the area,” says Fanelli. “We want to make this a place where the people feel at home.” When asked how he feels about the theater being part of a mixed-development complex, Fanelli says that he sees it as a big perk. “I love the traffic!” The proscenium space will seat 425 and host various types of productions throughout the year. Fanelli says there will be a grand-opening gala in November, to celebrate ChapPAC’s official opening. For more information, visit chappaquacrossing.com
