Behind the Curtain: 150 Years at Michigan’s Oldest Theater
With Lakeside Chautauqua’s 150th Anniversary just around the corner, we’re excited to introduce you to Lakeside Online – a new way to connect with friends year-round, explore the Chautauqua experience from the comfort of home and catch a sneak peek of what’s in store for the Sesquicentennial Celebration next summer.
From December through April, join us to discuss books written by next summer’s visiting authors and speakers and participate in virtual conversations with the Chautauqua Pillar Directors and an Advent Study.
Behind the Curtain: 150 Years at Michigan’s Oldest Theater with Erik Gable & Jere Righter
Thursday, April 20 | 7-8 p.m.
What does Michigan’s Oldest Theater have to do with Lakeside Chautauqua’s 150th season? Join Erik Gable, Marketing Director & Business Manager at Croswell Opera House, and Jere Righter, their Artistic Director, to find out.
During this online program, learn the fascinating history of the Croswell Opera House – from its rich history and most memorable productions to surviving (and thriving through) the global pandemic. With discussion of exciting plans for collaboration with Lakeside Chautauqua, this conversation will inspire and engage those who love live theatre.
Registration
For the inaugural year of Lakeside Online, programs will be free-of-charge. Donations are gratefully accepted to support these mission-driven programs. Visit lakesideohio.com/today to make a contribution. Sign up for one or all of the experiences. Zoom links will be sent via email 48 hours in advance of each program. For questions, contact Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Vice President of Programming, at jeannie@lakesideohio.com
Erik Gable is the Croswell’s director of finance and marketing. A graduate of Grinnell College in Iowa with a degree in history, he wrote the book on the Croswell’s history that was published to mark its 150th anniversary in 2016. Purchase the “Behind the Curtain: 150 Years at Michigan’s Oldest Theater” book.
Jere Righter has been the artistic director of the Croswell Opera House since 2009, during which time the theater has more than doubled its attendance and completed a $6.5 million renovation that will safeguard this 157-year-old landmark for future generations. She is a graduate of Siena Heights University in Michigan, and prior to coming to the Croswell worked in fundraising for Siena Heights, Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, and the University of Michigan.