Vaudeville returns to Calumet Theatre
Vaudeville returns to Calumet Theatre
| CAPTION: Daily Mining Gazette file photo Participants in previous Vaudeville shows act out a variety of skits throughout the evening. The shows, now in their fourth season, are held every Tuesday night at the Calumet Theatre. The acts and those who take part in them change from week to week. |
BY KELLY FOSNESS, DMG Writer
CALUMET — The theory behind vaudeville, according to director John Griebel, is if you don’t like the first act, “wait five minutes for another one.”
Featured every Tuesday evening at the Calumet Theatre, “Vaudeville,” now in its fourth season, brings variety entertainment from tap dancing and singing to performing canines. Popular throughout the country from the 1880s through the 1920s, Griebel said, vaudeville was the primary form of entertainment before radio and television.
“We’re trying to recreate the true spirit of vaudeville,” said Griebel, who is also a performer in the show. “It’s a mish-mosh of entertainment. It’s a variety show for the whole family.”
While performances will vary from week to week, cast members will be portraying noted vaudeville performers such as Ethel Merman, Jimmy Durante, and Abbott and Costello.
Playing the role of singer Ethel Merman is local performer Mary Hiltendorf, who says she’s been a part of the show from the start.
“I think the reason I do it is because I want to support the theatre,” she said. “We don’t know how lucky we are the have the Calumet Theatre. I hope everyone comes out and sees the show.”
Hiltendorf, who has portrayed noted performers including Nora Bays and Sophie Tucker, said what’s unique about vaudeville is that it’s an inexpensive evening out for the family.
“It gives locals and tourists something to do during the summer,” she says. “We need people to come out and support the theatre because we don’t want to lose it.”
Every week will be slightly different, Griebel said, as acts will be coming in throughout the summer.
“We have some of the same people with us and some new ones as well,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun and great for the family.”
Other slated performers include Rose Anderson and her performing canines, a juggler and many others.
The grand opening of “Vaudeville” is Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person and can be purchased ahead of time by calling the Calumet Theatre Box office at 337-2610 or at the door.
Kelly Fosness can be reached at kfosness@mininggazette.com
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