Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance and Chamber (MAEDA) celebrated the grand opening in their new location and new Chamber membership of Great Escape Stage Company with a ribbon cutting presentation on September 8.
From left are MAEDA staff, Chamber Ambassadors and friends Kierith Kurth, Georgia Marsh, Rebecca de Finta, Barb Gray, Diane Peters, artistic director Randy Lake, Liz Woods, Theresa Chaney-Huggett, board member Charles Lang, and board member John Sherwood.
The Great Escape Stage Company is a professional black-box theater in downtown Marshall. Artistic Director Randy Lake and his crews produce eight to ten shows annually ranging from cabaret-style productions to classic dramas and comedies. Lake’s goal is to “offer professional productions of challenging shows in an intimate setting.”
The Great Escape Stage Company has been a destination in Marshall for years, but recently moved into a new location which was lovingly renovated by staff, friends, and supporters. “The new space will help us to embrace a larger audience, accommodate a bigger stage and provide additional backstage space for props and set pieces,” said Lake. The new theater offers the flexibility to reconfigure the stage size and location to enhance the needs of each specific show. The renovations began in January and include a welcoming lobby, larger auditorium with balcony, workshop space behind stage, ADA compliant restrooms and ramp, and a lower level used for rehearsals, costumes, and storage.
“We are thrilled to be an extra draw in downtown and hope to complement the east end of Michigan Avenue,” stated board member John Sherwood. “Our business neighbors have already been supportive and we are excited to collaborate more in the future.”
Become a fan of professional live theater at Great Escape Stage Company located at 110 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Marshall. For show and ticket information call 269-781-2700 or visit www.greatescapestagecompany.com.