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From the Theatre Director

Learn more about the Unsalted/Concussions event!

Our builder, Bill Bainbridge, is going to fix our fallen flagpole later this week.  In the mean time, to commemorate Election Day, we flew the flag in the Lobby... right below our brand new neon that commemorates late CMC Founding Director Dirk Koning. 

The Koning Micro-Cinema opened earlier this year: in that short time, it has become as popular as our main theatre, Peter Wege Auditorium.

One of Wealthy Theatre's patron saints, Bob Goodrich, commissioned the design of the neon signage.  We are deeply grateful that he moved forward in honoring Dirk this way.  We love Dirk and know he loved neon.  (We're confident Bob finds the term "saint" amusing.)

There are two more piece of neon artwork inside the building, all created by Grand Rapids' own Lumichron.  We thank Lumichron for their excellent craftmanship, Bill Bainbridge for installing it, and electrician Kevin Swartz for getting us power (as always).

In related news, Bill Bainbridge and Paradigm Design got our permit from the city of Grand Rapids, to begin construction on the stage door vestibule and exterior "Garden" renovation project.  Thanks to Andrew and Bill from Paradigm, for their beautiful design work.  We're looking forward to this major construction project, which focuses on the southwest facilities exterior.

Speaking of the city of Grand Rapids, we're very excited on Wednesday to host the "Neighborhood Business Awards," which is among our favorite annual events.  It's always a privilege to see our friends from the city commission, police and fire departments, Mayor's office, and the excellent city administrators and staff - coming together to honor local business leaders, who continue to make Grand Rapids a fantastic place in which to live, work and recreate. 

Thank you,
Wealthy Theatre Staff

As the country heads toward a hugely important election day, we've been so grateful to play a role in the community's decision-making process.   Wealthy Theatre has been host to events showcasing all sides of the political dialog.  We regularly feature the full spectrum of discussion, from debates live on stage between local candidates, to national debates projected live onscreen.  Aside from the arts and culture regularly on display, we're fortunate to be the venue of choice for the exploration of the issues of the day.

We're extremely fortunate for our diversity.  It is, in fact, the reason we've had a sustainable fall season.  It has been one of our most successful seasons ever.  Why is that?  How can that be?  We think it is because - in times like this, more than ever - people need music, art, performance, movies and discussion. 

In the face of the worst economic conditions in recent memory, we've been home to very well produced, and well attended community events.  This owes to the diversity of the individuals and organizations who use this resource, and the same holds true for the patrons who attend events.  Without contrivance, nor by design, we have become a reflection of the many faces of Grand Rapids.  It is an attribute we claim with pride and gratitude: diversity is the cornerstone of our continued success.

We are a community venue, a theatre of the people, and we wanted to take this chance to thank the people of the city of Grand Rapids for choosing Wealthy Theatre - for sticking with us, coming back, and speaking well of us.  For spreading the good word.  We hope to continue to play this vital role, culturally and otherwise, in good times and bad, for as long as there is a need for a community theatre.

Thank-you.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE 10/15

On Wednesday (10/15/08) the public is invited to watch the final scheduled Presidential debate of 2008 at Wealthy Theatre, broadcast live on the big screen. 

Sponsored by Kent Co. Democratic Party, this open event begins at 9PM.  Doors open at 8:15PM. 

The first 400 patrons can be seated in Peter Wege Auditorium, the next 60 can be seated in The Koning Micro-Cinema - and we'll have some room left in our Main Lobby and West Lobby areas, along with the Community Meeting Room all of which are located within the Wealthy Theatre performing arts center, and have closed-circuit LCD television feeds. 

Cheers,

Wealthy Theatre Staff

If you're in the mood for something different this weekend, I cordially invite you to a "downtown" show in Uptown, at Wealthy Theatre: The Judy Show. 

For those of you who attended or heard about Vaudeville '06 - the CMC Spotlight Series with a sold-out matinee and evening performance - Judy stole the show. 

Now, Michael Holmes' brings his critically acclaimed "The Judy Show" performance for one night only in Grand Rapids. He's traveled through the USA doing his Judy show, featuring Judy Garland and specials guests, Bette Davis, Billie Holliday, Pearl Bailey, Carol Channing and more!! An event you won't want to miss!! Michael was part of Wealthy Theatre's original Vaudeville show! http://www.thejudyshow.com

"The Judy Show" is one of several events premiering our new Online Ticketing option, for buying your tickets to Wealthy Theatre events.  We created software ourselves (CMC IT Services Dept.) in order to spare patrons the high expense of national ticket-sales services, like TicketMaster.  It took a year and a lot of work, but once again, accessibility is king at Community Media Center (CMC).

Tickets to "The Judy Show" are available online by clicking here!

Other events featuring online ticketing are Super Happy Funtime Burlesque (10/18) and the Weekend Pass for Thriller Chiller (10/23-10/26). 

Link to Michael's website - photos and video!

Wealthy Theatre and CMC have taken a big first step inspired in part by Mayor George Heartwell's "Green Grand Rapids" initiative: tonight we premiere the END of bottled water!  It's not a movie, it's a new way of serving H2O! 

Beginning with the 8PM Tuesday night showing of the movie "Gremlins" ($3.50) we'll be offering filtered water in biodegradable cups, for just $0.50.  This is $1 less than bottled water and hugely less expensive for the environment. Over the past year, we've learned "there's a better way" from our friends at West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) and from the producers of "Water Fest" (who have a pre-Fest fundraiser at Wealthy Theatre in January.)

This year we put together a list of projects we're moving forward on, to revolutionize Wealthy Theatre as a national leader in the responsible use of energy and resources.  The changeover from plastic water bottles (which are harmful to the body and the environment) to carbon-filtered water is an important first step. 

Not only will the water you drink be filtered - so will the ice cubes and the water used to carbonate our soft drinks. This was an investment by CMC for the benefit of our patrons, and our planet.  Made possible by funds from our successful Capital Campaign, which we completed last year.

So come see "Gremlins" tonight (8PM - just $3.50) and enjoy a 16oz. cup of guilt-free, impurity-free, delicious H2O.

Cheers,

Wealthy Theatre Staff & CMC

The monthly Wealthy Theatre series, "New Talent Night," will enjoy its half-year anniversary on September 27.  The series is moving to a new time slot (6PM) two hours earlier than the previous start time.

"This time slot is a response to the continued growth of this series, which has evolved into a hybrid between 'American Idol' and 'Evening at the Apollo,' said Theatre Director Erin Wilson.  "We've added local celebrity judges, audience participation and voting, children's performances, more categories and a slick multimedia presentation.

"The audience has grown with the series - we have families, seniors and younger children attending alongside the kids in their late teens, who've been with us from the start."

The series features competitive dance, vocal and hip-hop performances - along with the occasional folk singer, comedian, and "in August we had a young boy play an electric guitar solo from a U2 song, which is an ambitious thing!" Wilson said.

Auditions are open to the public and take place Saturdays at 3PM at Wealthy Theatre Annex, 1110 Wealthy SE.  Please check the online calendar for dates (wealthytheatre.org).

Co-Sponsor Pure Harmony Entertainment (website)

External Link to Naeink's Winning Performance

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