By Dave Benoit
Special to the Reporter

Despite the scaffolding and other signs of continuing construction, the Strand Theatre is ready for show time after nearly a year of labor. Concert-goers will get a chance to see the new digs next Saturday, Nov. 17 at a concert headlined by Natalie Merchant.

The "Give US Your Poor" concert will be part of a nationwide celebration for the 20th annual Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Walkathon. Greek tenor Mario Frangoulis and blues singer Mighty Sam McClain will join Merchant to help raise money for the fight against homelessness.

"I think it is great that the Strand is re-opening and that they have such a great name coming in," said Zachary Cohen of Upham's Corner Main Streets. "It is obviously benefiting a very important charity, and it can only help if it draws people to Uphams Corner."

The work done on the Strand's interior is already finished, said Julie Burns of the City's Arts, Tourism, and Special Events Department. That includes the widening of the dressing rooms and hallways behind the stage to give performers more space. The ancient wooden lighting rigs were replaced with modern ones, and the box office was remodeled to ease the ticket process for the handicapped. The last bit of work is repairing the façade of the theatre, which was not part of the original plan. Engineers determined it needed work in August.

"We are all prepared and pretty much open," Burns said. "Everything went according to plan except for the façade."

The city's Public Works Department and Uphams Corner Main Streets will help do some beautification work on the landscape surrounding the theatre, including pathways leading to various parking lots. The façade should be finished by next spring. But right now the focus is on the appearance of Merchant. A surprise $20,000 scholarship will also be awarded to a formerly homeless teenager.

"It's an opportunity to show the diversity of the Strand," said Burns.

Tickets for the event are available online at www.ticketweb.com.