As the Grand Marais Playhouse celebrates its 40th Anniversary, it seems an appropriate time to reach out to this community with an invitation to come enjoy the upcoming plays. The Grand Marais Playhouse is a true “gem” in Cook County that many people are unaware of.
The talent in our community is awe-inspiring. We have had comments from theater attendees ranging from “This is the best performance I’ve ever seen” to “This is professional theater in a small town setting.” The fantastic comments we receive are the norm. There are people who plan their vacations around our Playhouse schedule. Wear a Grand Marais Playhouse T-shirt in another state and you’re likely to have someone approach you with “Oh, I’ve heard of the Playhouse.” Our small community is known far and wide because of Grand Marais Playhouse productions.
Who doesn’t have a child, grandchild, relative or friend who has been in a play at the Playhouse? How many children in our community have experienced the joy of theater and gone on to a career in theater or the arts? We can tell you—lots of them!
Our director, Sue Hennessy, spends much of our Playhouse money locally, thus benefiting the community. We utilize and highlight local talent in every play. Theprofessionals we bring in to help in our productions are often individuals who have lived in Cook County. For example, in the upcoming You
Never Know
we are enjoying the talents of Emily Schulte whom many of you know. She is assisting with the choreography while Keri Bilben, Cook County Schools’ band director, is directing the band. The number of individuals who assist in putting on first class theater is amazing.
Every first Sunday of a play’s run is “Donation Sunday” and anyone can attend and pay what they can afford for admission. This is sponsored by local businesses such as the North Shore Federal Credit Union and others businesses from time to time.
The Grand Marais Playhouse benefits our entire community—promising actors of all ages, musicians, carpenters, costumers, artists, sound techies, and even our local businesses. How proud we are to say to our tourists-”Have you seen the Play at the Playhouse this week? It’s really great!”
So what keeps a gem like the Playhouse going? Attendance! Membership in the Playhouse, advertising, and individuals coming to enjoy productions are what keeps us alive and vibrant. Without the support of our local community we would have to cut down on what we currently do.
We sincerely hope you will accept our invitation. We promise you that your dollar will be well spent, that your heartstrings will be touched, you will laugh, maybe cry, want to dance and that you will dream of what you saw even after you leave our theater. Support our local gem of a theater. Happy Anniversary Grand Marais Playhouse!
Grand Marais Playhouse Board Members
Shelby Anderson
Jane Gellner
Sandy Furlow
Maureen O’Phelan
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