On Monday, September 12, Micah and Bob Gorin, Doug Feinburg, Gabriel Kuttner, Jimmy Tingle, Damon Leibert, Jack Connolly were in attendance at the grand opening reception of the newly dedicated performance space The Rockwell, formerly known as the Davis Square Theatre.

By Rebecca Danvers

On September 12, the Davis Square Theatre in Somerville reemerged as The Rockwell, continuing its legacy of providing a home for the region’s flourishing arts community in honor of its late owner, Somerville business leader and restaurateur Ken Kelly (The Independent, Foundry on Elm, Saloon, Brass Union, River Bar).

Originally established in 1987 as The Boston Baked Theatre and later as Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway, the new incarnation of the playhouse includes the name dedication, an updated look, equipment upgrades and original programming curated by the theater.

Former theater owners, city officials and performers joined friends of the Kelly family in christening the improved Davis Square community gem including comedian and former theatre owner Jimmy Tingle; City of Somerville Alderman at Large Jack Connolly; former theatre owner Doug Feinberg; longtime landlords Micah and Bob Gorin; former Davis Square Theatre director Gabriel Kuttner; current theater director Damon Leibert; the Kelly ownership group’s chief operating officer Jess Willis; and Ken Kelly’s brother, contractor Alan Kelly, who was responsible for reconstructing the space.

Madelyn Mann and Damon Leibert, Jess Willis and Alan Kelly enjoying the opening night festivities.