The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is in a race against time to ensure that the flooding repair work in the FlynnSpace is completed before the upcoming performing arts season.

A water main pipe, located under the marquee, burst early Monday morning, causing water to flow into the downstairs venue and a storage area where production equipment, including lighting, was kept.

"We are too early on in assessing the damage," said Anna Marie Gewirtz, who assumed her new role as executive director of the Flynn just six weeks ago. "We are doing everything in our power to get things back in pristine condition and working order."

Gewirtz said the pipe and decorative sidewalk outside the Flynn, as well as the flooring in the FlynnSpace, will have to be replaced. Most of the costs will be covered by insurance, she added.

The executive director is hopeful that the repair work will be completed before the first show in the FlynnSpace on September 20 — an evening with local comedian Josie Leavitt. "It's a very, very tight turnaround," Gewirtz noted.

The historic parts of the theater, including the auditorium and lobby, which date back to the 1930s, were untouched.

Gewirtz said she's in constant communication with Cristina Alicea, producing artistic director at Vermont Stage. 

The production company, which is based at the FlynnSpace, will have its final season there before relocating to the Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center this winter.

The neighboring Kountry Kart Deli, which is open daily, had to close on Monday after the flooding left 12 inches of mud in its basement.

The deli opened for business on Tuesday, however, after owner Mike Williams was able to order fresh products.

Williams said he'll probably  have to close the store for a couple of hours each day to install new flooring in the basement. In 29 years, the deli has never experienced disruption to such an extent, he said. "We have a new floor for FlynnSpace being put in starting on Tuesday, plus new carpets, painting, sheet rock and replacement production equipment. We've been working around the clock, but it's coming together, piece by piece.

"The water main pipe that burst was on the sidewalk under the Flynn's marquee, and it was our pipe (the part that connects to the city's water main). It turns out the pipe was over 60 years old."