The Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater is a non-profit organization that strives to enrich the lives
of Chippewa Valley residents through the cultural arts. As a non-profit, over half of our operating
budget comes from the generous donations from local businesses, individuals, and foundations.
Through these donations, we are able to offer a full performing arts season, year-round rotating
art exhibits, outreach programs to children, and an all-around fascinating cultural experience.

Mabel Tainter Upcoming Performances
Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra "Season Highlights" Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. $16 A; $14 S/S; $6 C Directed by Ivar Lunde, ECCO brings "Season Highlights" to the Mabel Tainter featuring William Boyce "Symphony No. 6 in F, Op. 2; Arcangelo Corelli," "Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 11," Gustav Holst "Brook Green Suite, H. 190," Leopold Mozart "Symphony in D, D. 25," and Georg Frederic Handel "Royal Fireworks Music." Visit www.eauclairechamberorchestra.org to learn more about the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra.
Missoula Children's Theatre "Robinson Crusoe" Auditions Monday, May 5 at 4:00 p.m. at River Heights Elementary in the gym Performances Friday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. & Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. $8 A; $6 S/S; $3 C An audition will be held for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF ROBINSON CRUSOE on Monday, May 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Those auditioning should arrive at 3:50 p.m. and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition. Approximately 50 roles are available for local students. All students, grades Kindergarten through 12th, are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary. Most students rehearse approximately 4-½ hours each day, Monday through Friday. Performances are scheduled for Friday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. For more information call Vikcie Ekblad at (715) 235-9726 ext 106. Purposely varying from the plot of Daniel Defoe's novel, MCT's Robinson Crusoe teaches the lesson that reading invites more than observation. Unlike TV and movies which provide every detail, a book allows the reader the luxury and the joy of imagination. We arrive on Robinson's island years after he and his sole companion, a goat named Wilson, are shipwrecked. We find that the island has turned into a tourist destination centered around a lovable singing leopard, a tribe of natives known for their colorful coifs, Friday's Seaside Resort and, of course, the legend of Robinson Crusoe. In flashback, his story comes to life beginning with the shipwreck which marooned Wilson and him on the island. The entire population of the island, including a herd of goats, an all-animal band, Friday and his family and the inevitable hula-dancing chameleons, discover that our differences need not stand in the way of our friendships. All of the characters live happily and harmoniously ever after. Visit www.mctinc.org to learn more about Missoula Children's Theatre.
Menomonie Five & Friends "It's a Small World After All" Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. $6 Adults; $3 Children Please join us for a wonderful evening of welcoming our "Sister City" friends from Nasukarayama, Japan in a musical journey of "It's A Small World After All." The Menomonie Middle School String Quartet, Bel Canto and Hmong Traditional Dance students will join the "Menomonie Five," which includes the musical talents of Dudley Markham, John Upthall, Jean Nguyen, Paula Smith and Tim Lutz for this exciting evening of musical entertainment. The music will include traditional Irish, Japanese, African, Canadian and American Folk favorites performed by Middle School students and the "Menomonie Five." All proceeds from this wonderful music event will benefit the "Sister City International Exchange Program" between Menomonie Middle School and Nasukarayama, Japan. An added bonus for the evening may include a musical number and performance by the Japanese students from Nasukarayama, Japan. Visit msd.k12.wi.us/MS/ to learn more about Menomonie Five and Menomonie Middle School.
Ann Hoyt "My Favorite Songs from A to Z" Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. $16 A; $14 S/S; $6 C   "In George Antheil's Venus in Africa, Ms. Hoyt's Venus is vocally, visually and dramatically stunning." - Opera News Originally from Menomonie, Wisconsin Ms. Hoyt has established herself as both an opera and oratorio singer as well as recitalist. Critically acclaimed performances include Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro in which she was reviewed as the definitive Susanna, Musetta in La Boheme, Despina in Cosi fan tutte and Rosina in Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Of her performance as Carlisle Floyd's Susannah one reviewer exclaimed, "Ann Hoyt returns to triumph again in the title role. She is blessed with a magnificent voice, with superb control in all ranges, from the softest whisper to the strongest fortissimo. This, together with her beauty and natural charm and ease on stage, make it very likely that Miss Hoyt will go far indeed. The bathing scene is done in silhouette behind a scrim-it becomes almost an animated rosy cameo-and it is perhaps the most erotically beautiful moment I recall having seen on any stage. Miss Hoyt is grace incarnate. Her song to the stars, "Ain't it a Pretty Night", is sung like an angel." Other roles include Venus in John Blow's Venus and Adonis, 3 different productions of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas for which she sang three different roles: Dido, Belinda and the Sorceress. One St. Louis reviewer said " Ann Hoyt as Dido adds another to her list of triumphs on the Union Avenue stage. Her voice, silvery and clear, is perfect for this role. Ms. Hoyt also sings with the critically acclaimed Trinity Choir of Trinity Church Wall Street as a soprano soloist and chorister and can be heard on both the Naxos and Hänssler record labels. Ann resides in New York Cityand has been on the voice faculty of the 92nd Street Y for more than 5 years. Ann will be accompanied by pianist Douglas Drake and special guest Thomas Wazelle, tenor.
Menomonie Theater Guild and Osseo Area Community Theatre present "Nunsense" May 17 at 1:00 p.m. May 18 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. $15 All Ages TICKETS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE Please call the Box Office (715) 235-0001 ext. 2   In a unique collaboration, the Menomonie Theater Guild has invited the Osseo Area Community Theatre to reprise Nunsense. We are excited to take the show "on the road" and hope everyone who enjoyed our last performance can enjoy it again in an historic atmosphere. It is sure to be a "can't miss" show. The Osseo Area Community Theatre, Inc (OACT), was founded in 2004 with the purpose to foster, promote and increase the public knowledge and appreciation of the theatrical arts through the production of theatrical plays and through education regarding the theatrical arts. Through producing a broad range of presentations of the highest possible quality, OACT provides hands-on learning experiences in all aspects of theatre production and management. Visit www.oact.org for more information on Osseo Area Community Theatre.
"Gift of Grace Celebration" Third Annual Family Variety Show Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. $10 Adults; $8 Seniors/Students; $5 Children TICKETS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE Please call the Box Office (715) 235-0001 ext. 2 Grace Episcopal Church is pleased to present their Third Annual Family Variety Show called the "Gift of Grace Celebration." This is sure to be an evening of great music for the whole family!! Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry of Dunn County . Well-known local musician, Warren Petryk, will be singing with gifted songbird Tara Metcalfand, and special guests, the Sisters of Swng will revise their acclaimed Andrews Sisters performance with several numbers from their show. Led by fiery young director, Jacob Karkula, the Menomonie High School Jazz Ensemble will also be shaking the rafters of the historic theater. Anyone wishing to donate a nonperishable item for for the pantry is invited to bring it to the theater the afternoon of the show. Sponsorships are currently available. If anyone is interested in financially supporting this program, please call Jackie Broughton, 715-235-3263. This show is being produced by Grace Episcopal Church in Menomonie. The Sisters of Swing The Sisters of Swing are comprised of Jessica Breed and Tammie Scott of Eau Claire and Kobi Shaw of Colfax. This trio was brought together last winter by Eau Claire Children's Theatre for the full theatrical production Sisters of Swing. Not just a musical review, Sisters of Swing also recreates the life story of the Andrews Sisters, from their breakout performance at the Orpheum in Minneapolis to the unraveling of their act and ultimately the death of two of the sisters. Learning the tight harmonies of Patty, Maxine and Laverne was an intensive process for these three women and they are all thrilled to be able to perform these wonderful songs once again. Sisters of Swing will be presented in its entirety this September 12 thru the 14 at The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts. Warren Petryk Warren Petryk has been the music director, producer/arranger, tenor vocalist and keyboardist for the musical group, The Memories for the past 34 years. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the UW-Eau Claire where he sang under the choral direction of Morris Hayes. He is the Community Relations Coordinator for United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin, a recording producer, private voice coach, has a Christian Music Ministry and in his spare time enjoys reading, listening to classical music, volunteering, playing tennis, hunting with his Labrador Retrievers and fly fishing in Alaska. Menomonie High School Jazz Ensemble The Jazz Ensemble is under the direction of Jake Karkula. The ensemble is an extension of the Menomonie High School Band Program consisting of students in grades 9-12. They rehease every morning from 6:40-7:35. Throughout the past three years, they have performed at the UW-Stevens Point Jazz Festival, the Up-North Jazz Festival, the UW-Eau Claire Jazz Festival, WestConsin Credit Union annual meeting, and at various concerts throughout the community and the high school. They have also performed with guest artists Robert Baca and Kathy Jensen. Visit www.gracemenomonie.org to learn more about Grace Episcopal Church.
Peder Eide Band Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. $14 A; $12 S/S; $6 C "Peder has the rare gift of being able to take a crowd of youth and let them have a fun and crazy time with music and still bring them around to a time of meaningful praise and worship. I count it a privilege to work with Peder." - Steve Jones, Compassion International If anyone can profess to have his finger on the pulse of today's youth, Peder Eide (pronounced "I'd") has certainly earned the right to make that claim. For nearly 1/3 of his life, he has led praise and worship at youth conferences, festivals, camps, churches and any other venues teenagers and pre-teens have gathered. So when Peder says he believes he knows what the youth of today need, he speaks with unchallenged authority on the subject. "I've been showing kids how to worship vertically, but I now realize there is a missing horizontal connection they are not getting," says Peder. "I've watched as churches, in order to meet everyone's needs, offer worship in different styles for different age groups, and I think that's important. But sometimes there can be an unintentional separation between the generations with teenagers in one place and adults in another. Imagine mothers, brothers, fathers, daughters and extended family members experiencing worship together. I want to help families enhance their worship at home, work, school, vacations, and even Sunday mornings by encouraging them to engage with each other while connecting with Jesus." In addition to releasing his 10th CD, TASTE AND SEE, Peder is embarking on a special mission this year – to bring moms and dads and brothers and sisters into the same auditorium to pray for and with each other. Designating it as a "Taste Worship" event, Peder intends to arm families with practical tools that he hopes will transform their lives, guiding them into a lifestyle of worship. Peder's message is one of hope and victory. Peder lost his mother in an automobile accident just prior to his freshman year in high school and his father in a fire in the early 1990's.Through these and other struggles in his life, Peder found the love of Christ and the grace of God to be the only sustaining power upon which he could rely. In return for God's goodness, Peder promised the Lord that he would dedicate his life to reaching others with the Gospel. Peder has played main stage at festivals such as Sonshine (MN), Kingdom Bound (NY), SpiritFest Midwest (MN), Power of One (WI), and Spirit West Coast (CA). He has shared the stage with speakers such as Mike Yaconelli,Tony Campolo, Miles McPherson, Paul Hill, Dick Hardel, Dave Johnson, the late Dave Busby, Bob Lenz, Rollie Martinson,Tom Tufts, Curt Clonginger, Rich Melheim, Jay Laffoon, Bart Campolo, and Bill Yonker. Peder has been involved with groups such as ELCA Youth Ministry Network, Youth Unlimited, Navigators,Youth for Christ, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Extreme Faith Ministries,Youth Encounter, and a variety of denominational events. In 2000, the Minnesota Jaycees honored Peder as one of their prestigious "Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans." Prior to his music and speaking ministry, Peder served as a full-time Youth Director and Varsity High School Football coach. He married wife Sherri in 1992 and counts children Taylor, Allison, Ethan and MaKenzie as blessings from God - even when they break things. In his spare time, you'll find Peder on his living room floor being tackled and tickled by his children. Peder enjoys playing football, softball, and basketball, but if golf is available, you'll likely catch him out on the course, planning his future dominance of the PGA tour. Visit www.pedereide.com to learn more about Peder Eide.
Chance featuring Cheryl Leah and Ed Willett Friday, May 30 at 8:00 p.m. $12 A; $10 S/S; $6 C   "You have a beautiful voice Cheryl" -Jackson Browne, singer/songwriter "You keep unveiling new wonderful surprises as your performance goes on" -Ramsay Lewis, jazz pianist The Big Top Chautauqua's Cheryl Leah and Ed Willett (a.k.a. Chance) come to the Mabel Tainter on their "Tent Show Radio Tour." Fans of the regular public radio program will get a rare opportunity to get a live taste of two mainstays of the popular radio series in concert. For thirteen seasons, listeners to the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua's public radio show, "Tent Show Radio" have been hearing the amazing voice of Cheryl Leah and the soulful cello playing of Ed Willett. On May 30th comes an opportunity to put a face to a name, and an image to a sound, as they continue their tour of fine communities where the Big Top Chautauqua is on the air. Chance coalesced in Los Angeles CA, a coming together of two musicians with wildly diverse backgrounds. It was in 1986 that vocalist Cheryl Leah, steeped in the worlds of R+B and Jazz and having recorded and performed with Jazz legends Herbie Hancock and Miroslav Vitous, joined forces with cellist Edward Willett, who was newly emerging from the University of Southern California, one of the world's leading conservatories. Their resulting musical experiment has remained as vibrant and unparalleled as the day they launched it twenty two years ago. First heard nationally on the hit TV show "Northern Exposure", they maintain a full and far-reaching schedule of concerts throughout much of the country. Visit www.chanceworld.com to learn more about Chance.
Bryce, Young & Yata Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. $12 A; $10 S/S; $6 C   Join Us for Joint CD Release Party! Alarm clock squawking at the break of day My eyes won't open but I need that pay My plugs won't fire and my idle's too lean Gonna have to make it on sheer caffeine Sheer caffeine, sheer caffeine Might give you the jitters and make you mean If you can't get up a head of steam You're gonna have to make it on sheer caffeine - from Sheer Caffeine by Bryce Black on the new Bryce & Yata CD SHEER CAFFEINE "SNOW HAS FALLEN (Young & Yata's new CD release) is a raw, deep and precious thing... Young and Yata are soulful outlaws giving away treasure from the Temple. This CD is absolutely superb-- "My Heart is Your Home" is going to become the anthem of some kind of new movement just stirring in the land." - Martin Shaw, mythologist, storyteller & musician, Devon, UK Bryce, Young & Yata invite their fans and all music and poetry lovers to join them at the Mabel Tainter to celebrate the release of two brand new CDs: Sheer Caffeine by Bryce & Yata, and Snow has Fallen by Young & Yata. Bona fide windmill man Bryce Black pens witty, thought-provoking songs that range from wicked social satire and irreverent whimsy, to heartfelt prayers for peace. Poet Timothy Young reads with power and conviction, diving deep into the muck of everyday life to surface with chewy roots of meaning. Robert Bly has called his work "superb writing...a rare gift among Men." Black and Young are accompanied by Yata Peinovich's irresistible jazz/rock/reggae/blues flavored guitar and vocal harmonies. Yata has performed on A Prairie Home Companion and was a member of the Minneapolis trio Artesian Dreams (recipient of a Minnesota Music Association award for Best Folk Band). Bryce, Young & Yata will be joined on stage by special guest Bruce Hecksel of the nationally-known folk duo Patchouli. Bruce produced both albums, and is a man of many talents who variously adds lead guitar, bass, banjo, keyboards, marimba, and percussion to these eclectic, imaginative folk/acoustic arrangements. Don't miss this remarkable, compelling evening of original song and poetry set to music. To learn more about Bryce, Young & Yata, visit: www.bryceblack.com www.twoboots.net www.yatayata.com
June 2008 The Intimate Evening Series 2008 - Lorie Line Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT Join Lorie for a special up-close and personal performance. Spend an intimate evening around the piano with Lorie Line as she plays all the favorites from over the years. Lorie will play solo piano and also be joined by select performers from her Pop Chambers Orchestra. You'll enjoy this casual setting where the evening is all about Lorie and her center stage grand piano. QuinnElizabeth Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. $10 A; $8 S/S Join QuinnEllizabeth for a CD release party at the Mabel Tainter! After taking time off to record their new CD, QuinnElizabeth returns to the Mabel Tainter. Think blues meets stomping acoustic folk rock. A band made of three sisters united to bring their self-taught musicianship to the live stage. Together they deliver bright explosive vocals and harmonies, colorful lyrics, bursting djembe beats, and rhythm acoustic guitar with a rock flare. QuinnElizabeth brings you original music and they bring it to you right. July 2008 Head East with special guest Fire & Ice Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. $18 All Ages The legendary classic rock band Head East has been regaining it's popularity over the last several years, no doubt due to the resurgence of classic rock music and Head East's presence on the internet. This rise in popularity has resulted in the issuance of three CD's, Concert Classics Vol. 7 on Renaissance Records in 1999, Live On Stage on Universal/A&M in 2000, and 20th Century Masters - The Best of Head East - The Millennium Collection which was released by Universal/A&M on 25 September, 2001. A fourth release tentatively titled Flying By Night (import re-issue of Concert Classics Vol VII under a new name) was pulled from production by NMC Music of London England prior to any copies being issued. Head East has brought more than three decades of rock to their fans, a tradition that is destined to continue for many years. Roger Boyd, leader and keyboardist of Head East, has stated that Head East will continue to rock as long as he can lift his synthesizer over his head and play. And he looks forward to bringing Head East music to the fans for many years to come. Head East is currently consists of Roger Boyd (keyboards & vocals), Greg Manahan (bass, lead guitar & vocals), Glen Bridger (lead guitar & vocals), Eddy Jones (drums & vocals), and Darrin Walker (lead vocals & bass). The band's superb musicianship and versatility along with their strong vocal abilities, resulted in the reinstatement of some classic Head East songs to the set list along with some new covers of classic rock favorites, making for an exciting new live show. Head East currently performs about 30 to 40 shows each year, mainly in the Midwest and plains states, with shows occasionally in the west and other parts of the country. They put on a high-energy show that is true to their original sound. Their set list includes selections from the following list of songs: Take A Hand, When I Get Ready, Me And My Whiskey, City Of Gold/Fly By Night Lady, Love Me Tonight, Lovin' Me Along, Brother Jacob, It's For You, Raise A Little Hell, Jefftown Creek, Gettin' Lucky, Every Little Bit Of My Heart, Get Up & Enjoy Yourself, Elijah, Since You Been Gone, Wrong Time, Never Been Any Reason, and the traditional blues favorite, Stormy Monday. A Flex Plan for your Tickets We know you're busy. We know it's almost impossible to know what you'll be doing in three months, or even next month. So why would we ask you to decide on which shows you want to attend so far ahead? The Stage Pass is like having a flex plan for your tickets. Purchase a Stage Pass for either five, ten or thirty tickets, and then use them for ANY show in our season. With a Stage Pass you even save money, depending which quantity you purchase you could save up to 50% off the price of a single ticket. Because Stage Pass use is tracked in our Box Office database, Stage Passes must be purchase either in person at the Mabel Tainter or by phone at (715) 235-0001 ext. 100. Stage Passes are not valid for Menomonie Theater Guild performances. Enjoy the show!

HOURS:

Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater
Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Box Office is open two hours prior to all theater performances.

Self-Guided Tours
Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
$1.00 suggested donation

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