Latté Da completes purchase of the Ritz

Pamela EspelandMinnPost

September 1, 2016

Just in time for “Ragtime,” which opens Sept. 21, Theater Latté Da has finalized its purchase of the historic Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis. It took a while – we learned in March that Latté Da had entered into an “exclusive negotiating arrangement” with the Ritz Foundation – but it’s a done deal now, and the theater finally has a home of its own.

This is the first time in the company’s 18-year history when its administration, rehearsal space and performances can all be housed in the same building. The administrative offices have been there since Sept. 2014, and four shows have been produced so far on the Ritz’s stage: Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” and “Sweeney Todd,” and the world premieres of “C.” and “Lullaby.”

During that time, the staff and the audience have gotten to know the place. “Our patrons have expressed how much they love the intimacy of the space and the vibrancy of the neighborhood,” Artistic Director Peter Rothstein said in a statement. Plus “residents and local businesses have been extremely welcoming and become vital partners. … The Ritz Theater is a fantastic building in a dynamic neighborhood with a rich history of diverse ethnic identity and cultural exchange. Theater Latté Da is thrilled to be a part of its next chapter.” More like a book than a chapter. Latté Da has always been worth watching, and now we know exactly where to go.