Regent Theatre — Arlington’s beloved 450-seat theatre — announced David J. Malan as the theatre’s new operator. Under Malan’s direction, the Regent will remain Arlington’s “Showplace of Entertainment,” with live music and dance concerts, theatre, family entertainment, comedy shows, film events, and cultural events. Under his plan to expand the theatre’s reach, Malan will introduce to the Regent’s stage additional educational programming as well, complete with live streaming for audiences beyond the local community.
The theatre will now operate as a public benefit company, its mission being “positive effects of artistic, charitable, cultural, educational, or technological nature through operation of community theatre and production of high-quality content.”
The announcement follows the retirement of Richard Stavros, who co-directed the Regent for the past three decades. Thirty years ago, Stavros was instrumental in transforming the theatre from a traditional movie house into a dynamic performing arts space, establishing it as a beloved gathering place for live music, theatre, family shows, and independent films. Stavros’s vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on the Regent, and his legacy will continue as the theatre evolves.
“I love what I do here,” said Stavros, “and the decision to retire was not easy, but it’s rewarding to know that my work has helped to build the venue’s popularity as ‘the small theatre of choice’ in the Boston area, and I’m both pleased and confident that David Malan’s vision will further establish the Regent’s stature in the community and beyond.”
Leland Stein, who has been with the Regent for two decades, will continue to support the theatre’s mission, working closely with Malan as Director of Programming and Community Relations. With deep roots of his own in Arlington, Stein has been instrumental in shaping the Regent’s artistic direction and community presence.
“I am delighted to continue directing the unique, thematically- and culturally-diverse concert and film programming our audience has come to expect at the Regent, while remaining our ‘ambassador’ to the local and regional community,” said Stein. “David understands what we do here, and—while respecting the Regent’s century-plus history and legacy—he has the foresight to bring his personal experience and passionate vision to his stewardship of the venue with an innovative, forward-looking educational component.”
This transition takes place with the strong support of Gary Adelson, the building’s longtime owner, who has provided a steadfast commitment to preserving the Regent’s role in the community. Adelson’s support over the years has been invaluable in maintaining the theatre’s historic integrity and enabling it to evolve into the multifaceted venue it is today.
