March 27, 2008

Maryland Theatre’s Sullivan resigns


By JOSHUA BOWMAN (joshua.bowman@herald-mail.com)

HAGERSTOWN — Brian Sullivan on Thursday resigned from The Maryland Theatre after two years as the organization's executive director, according to Board President Ron Bowers.

Sullivan's resignation came with no notice and was effective immediately, Bowers said.

Sullivan will be replaced temporarily by Jenni Hatcher, 44, the theater's director of development and marketing.

Bowers said the board voted Thursday to approve Hatcher, who has been with The Maryland Theatre since September 2007, as the organization's acting executive director.

Sullivan did not say why he decided to step down, Bowers said.


However, Bowers said he "was not surprised" by Sullivan's decision.

Bowers did not elaborate.

"We wish Brian the best," Bowers said.

Sullivan could not be reached on his cell phone Thursday.

Bowers and Hatcher said Sullivan did a lot to improve the theater's stage, including the addition of a lighting scheme that accentuated the ornate aspects of the stage.

Bowers said Sullivan brought a lot of entertainment to the theater that some might have considered risky.

"He took a chance, and the results were good," Bowers said.

Bowers said the board will talk about how they want to handle the search for a new, permanent executive director but said there will be no rush to do so.

"Time is on our side. Jenni has been great as a director of development and marketing, and we think she will be great in this new role as well," said Bowers, who noted that Hatcher's new and old jobs will be merged.

Hatcher said she is excited to start her new role, noting that the theater is gearing up for several major events, including a tribute to George Wagner, who ran the theater's projection room in the 1930s and 1940s, Bowers said.

The theater is also preparing a tribute to Jack Garrott, who helped save The Maryland Theatre when it was in danger of being razed.

And Hatcher said plans are being made for the theater's 95th anniversary celebration in 2010.

"We've got a very busy schedule ahead of us," Hatcher said.

Brian will be sadly missed

Hagerstown and Maryland Theatre is going to sorely miss Mr. Sullivan. He brought a great deal of innovation and creativity to his post. I only hope his successor can continue to transform MD Theatre they way he did. Best of luck to ya' Brian!

OK does anyone else think this sounds funny? I just wonder if this had anything to do with one of the members of the Temptations interview on DC 101 Elliott in the Morning show a few weeks ago???????????????????

i didnt hear anything about that--fill us in hag

A week or so after the Temptations concert a person that presented himself as one of the Temptations was being interviewed by Elliott (of Elliott in the Morning DC101). Elliott asked how he was treated in Hagerstown and about the concert. The guy stated that they were treated wonderful and that a guy shuttled them around the entire time they were in Hagerstown and even took them out to get high. He did not say who this shuttle guy was.

Did someone think it was Brian or maybe one of his staff???

I don't know what you mean by someone or one of his staff but according to the guy on the radio IT WAS someone from the Maryland Theater that was their chaperone the entire time.

I also have heard from local law enforcement that the article in the news paper was a incorrect. He did not resign, he was fired and police were there to escort him from the building if there were any issues. My understanding no issues and he left without incident.

Yeah well, that would do it. Do these musician types just not have a clue or what? Way to show your gratitiude for someone who you seem to be trying to say treated you well!

But umm yeah let the musicians supply their own drugs, please. I'm not sure Maryland Theatre appreciates being known as the venue that supplies drugs for the musicians it hosts.

Please note that I did not state that Brian did this, the guy on DC 101 did not say who the person was that supplied the drugs.

I suspect the Md Theatre knows who was their escort. In any event as the Executive Director and/or as a prime force for bringing these kinds of acts in, he may have felt he was responsible for anything like this that happened and/or took this as an opportunity to make a change he was already considering.

The resignation didn't have anything to do with Elliot.

Thank you Coma.

Brian Sullivan will be sorely missed. Success will follow him. He showed Hagerstown his talent, innovation, and creative soul. I wish he and his family well. He and the previous director put the MD Theater has been put on a good course. Brian Sullivan continued the groundwork, adding more amenities to the schedule. It will be easier for the new director, in part due to Brian Sullivan's efforts.

Since you are in the know why did he get fired?????