Kucera Appointed to Lead Ironwood Theatre Into New Era

IRONWOOD, MI – Thursday, June 25, 2009 - Ironwood Theatre, Inc. Ironwood Theatre Board President Mark Silver announced the beginning of the next phase of the Theatre’s rebirth – the change from a Center for the Performing Arts into “a community center for all the arts for all the people of the Gogebic Range.” Silver also announced that the Theatre Board appointed long-time Ironwood resident and former businessman Phil Kucera as Managing Director to carry the Theater forward into the new era.

Kucera is heading up a team that developed the plan for the Theatre. The primary goal of this second phase is to expand on the Theatre’s mission of providing “cultural entertainment of the highest quality to the greatest number of citizens.” The new management aims to provide quality programming of the widest variety, appealing to all tastes and preferences of area citizens.

The team also intends to make the Theatre a true arts center by expanding its film offerings, adding programming in the visual and literary arts, while continuing to present live performances. Completing the restoration of the Theatre’s concourse and turning it into an exhibition space is a top priority for the group. Strong emphasis will also be places on programming for children.

The operations team is comprised of individuals from across the region, including natives who have recently returned to the area, newcomers, and veteran Theatre staff members with many years of experience and in-depth knowledge of Theatre operations. The team is currently in an organizational stage and will be fully operational by the first of August. Ad hoc committees will be studying everything from office function to programming in order to strengthen and streamline the organization.

Silver considers Kucera to be well qualified for the position, saying the new Director has a long history of involvement in visual, literary and performing arts programming in the area. Kucera operated the Pine Tree Gallery in Ironwood for 32 years, developing over 200 art exhibitions for the gallery itself, for arts organizations in the region, and for state and federal agencies.

Kucera also worked extensively in the performing arts. In 1977, he developed the North Country Folk Festival. Held on the campus of Gogebic Community College, the event drew in large crowds from around the United States and Canada. He continued to produce occasional concerts until the closing of his business in 2007.

Many community leaders are being tapped to find new sources of funding and to develop new ideas for the future of the old Theatre. Kucera noted that this is a difficult time for the arts, referring to the slowdown in the economy and high unemployment; but he is confident the enthusiasm the Theatre organization has for its new plans will carry it forward through these tough times.

The Ironwood Theatre opened in 1928 as a vaudeville and silent movie house at the height of the silent film era, when "talkies" were just coming into existence. A classic movie palace, the Theatre was designed by Ironwood architect N. Albert Nelson. Nelson had his hand in architectural work across the Range, designing homes and many major buildings constructed in Ironwood during the 1920s.

For decades the Theatre was the premiere movie house for the region. During that time, the stage continued to be used for occasional live performances until its closing in 1982. The Theatre closed its doors as multiplexes came into existence and people found more ways to entertain themselves at home. In 1984, the Ironwood Theatre Preservation Committee was formed to save the Theatre and restore it to its original opulence. In 1988, the nonprofit group Ironwood Theatre, Inc. was incorporated and has been operating and restoring the Theatre for the past 21 years. While not totally restored, the Theatre shines once again with gold leaf trim, crystal chandeliers, and the magnificently restored hand-painted proscenium mural.

During its heyday the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performed on the Ironwood stage to a packed house. The Theatre hosted dignitaries and appearances by many famous Hollywood actors including Abbott & Costello, Colleen Moore, Mickey Rooney, and others. Productions also utilized local talent such as Pappy Eatmor’s Barn Dance Jubilee and the popular Gogebic Range Players Company, which presented many plays from Rogers and Hammerstein’s "South Pacific" to the recent Broadway hit "Chicago."

Individuals wishing to become a part of the Theatre family to make monetary contributions to the nonprofit organization should call (906) 932-0618 or stop in the office at 109 East Aurora Street in downtown Ironwood.