Old Log Theatre facts for kids
| Formation | 1940 |
|---|---|
| Type | Theatre group |
| Location |
The Old Log Theatre was a very old and famous professional theater in Minnesota. Some people even say it was the oldest professional theater that kept running in the whole United States! It was located in Excelsior. This theater paid for everything it needed from ticket sales and its own restaurant.
Sadly, on February 20, 2024, the owners, Greg and Marissa Frankenfield, announced they were retiring. This meant the theater and its restaurant would close for good. Their very last show, a tribute to Buddy Holly, happened on March 2, 2024.
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A Look Back: The Old Log Theatre's History
The Old Log Theatre first opened its doors in 1940. It started in Greenwood. The first building was a log cabin with a dirt floor. Today, that old building is used to store scenery.
For most of its life, the theater showed funny plays. These included screwball comedies, modern plays, and British farces. In its early years, it was a summer stock company. This means actors would put on many different shows quickly. The first building could hold 270 people. During the summer, they would put on a new show every week!
The Theater Building: A Special Place
During the 1950s, the theater became very popular. It needed a bigger space for all its fans. So, in 1965, a builder named Herb Bloomberg was hired. He designed and built a new theater. It was on 10 acres (40,000 m2) of land next to the old one.
The new building looked like a big barn. It had a large lobby with a cozy fireplace. The ceiling was very high. This new theater could seat 655 people. Herb Bloomberg later built and ran the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.
Who Owned the Old Log Theatre?
For 73 years, the theater was owned by Don Stolz. He joined the theater in 1941, when he was 23. He had just finished studying theater at Northwestern University. Don was hired to direct plays. On his second day, he even acted in The Taming of the Shrew!
The first show he directed was Ned McCobb's Daughter. Don bought the theater in 1946. He produced and directed most of the shows. He oversaw more than 600 productions! Don Stolz also helped grow television in the Twin Cities. He was also well-known on the radio.
In 2006, Don Stolz's sons took over running the theater. But Don still stayed involved. He would even give a short speech before and after each show. Don Stolz passed away on February 14, 2015, at 97 years old.
In May 2013, Greg and Marissa Frankenfield bought the theater and its restaurant. Greg Frankenfield is a co-founder and CEO of a technology company. The Frankenfields love theater. They have been on the boards of many local theater groups. They also invested in shows in London and on Broadway.
The theater was changed to seat 560 people. In the summer of 2014, it was updated. The stage became deeper. New sound and lighting systems were added. The restaurant was also renovated. It can seat 250 people. It reopened as Cast & Cru in the fall of 2014.
Who Visited the Theater?
It is believed that about 6 million people have watched shows at the Old Log Theatre. That's a lot of theatergoers!
Famous People Who Performed There
Many talented actors got their start or performed at the Old Log Theatre. Some of these famous alumni include:
- Actor Charles Nolte, who spent three years with the theater.
- Loni Anderson
- Actor Nick Nolte
- Julia Duffy
- Long-time Twin Cities news anchor and actor Dave Moore.
