When Chuck organized a private tour of the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, I was thrilled on many different levels. First, I hold fond memories of attending a Billy Bragg concert with Chuck, Martin and Brian in 1988 when we were college students at Western Michigan University. After the concert we took a ‘self-guided’ tour of the dressing rooms and back alley. Secondly, as a community theater performer and ‘enjoyer,’ I was looking forward to taking a “peek behind the curtain.” Theaters are fascinating to me!
A Look Behind the Curtain
Here’s a ‘look behind the curtain.’ (Do you see what I did there?)
From the stage I looked up to the fly tower behind the proscenium arch. The proscenium arch is the arc above the stage. Actors know it as ‘the fourth wall.’
To our right were the ropes used for the fly tower. These adjust the lightbars, backdrops, curtains and sometimes people during their acts.
Rachael led us behind the ropes to look up the side wall. “See those sliding doors?” She asked. I wouldn’t have noticed them on my own. “These lead to the dressing rooms upstairs.” I was puzzled as to why there were doors at those levels.
As a college kid, I hadn’t noticed the intricate, Spanish styled décor of the theatre. At that time I had been focused on my friends, the concert and sneaking around afterward. Now, I stood in awe of the carefully designed and refurbished Vaudeville showplace which has entertained Kalamazoo residents for decades.
of this “Spanish Courtyard” design.
Vaudeville – A Quick History
The Vaudevillian-style entertainment tradition was started by Tony Pastor. Antonio Pastor (1837-1908) was known as the “Father of Vaudeville.” Although he preferred to use ‘variety’ instead of Vaudeville.
Photo Credit: Travalanche
At nine years old he had started singing at P.T. Barnum’s Museum in New York City. (As many of you know this was the start of the Barnum and Bailey Circus which was recently featured in the Disney movie, “The Greatest Showman.”)
Just after the Civil War broke out in 1861 Tony performed at a grungy music hall simply called “444” located at 444 Broadway. With his circus performing background he developed shows with a diverse array of talent to entertain New York City residents and travelers. Keeping the look of a ringmaster, complete with a handlebar mustache, Tony would personally greet patrons as they entered the theater for a show.
By 1870 “Variety Theaters” were replacing formal concert halls. As workers began to have more free time, they enjoyed an assortment of acts including big band, dramas, opera, ballet, juggling and later short films. It was the first production style to cross economic and class barriers. Vaudeville shows brought smiles in small towns across the nation starting in the 1880’s as well as on stage in New York City.
The Barton Organ
lowered.
The organ pipes were cleverly hidden behind the ornate Spanish decorum along the sides of the stage.
There were two main organ companies in the Vaudeville days: Wurlitzer and Bartola. The Grand Rapids Public Museum has the Wurlitzer organ from the Roaring ’20’s restaurant. The museum features their Wurlitzer in holiday concerts, accompaniment to silent movies and children’s stories read aloud with organ sound effects. I recommend these GRPM shows.
(Sadly, the Barton organ at The State Theatre has had several of the pipes broken caused from roof damage and the renovations that took place in the 1980’s. It no longer accompanies shows, but sits silently holding memories.)
Renovations 1964
In 1964 there was some modernizing of the sound and light systems as well as replacing the seating and the marquee. The cooling system received updates, too. This system works by pulling cooler air up from the basement.
The Marquee
The Kalamazoo State Theatre has carried on the Vaudeville welcoming tradition for decades. They have featured local talent and artists from around the nation. Movies have been shown here as well. People have rented the theatre for private parties, too. The marquee has kept the public informed.
The Sound and Light Booth
If these walls could talk!
The Dressing Rooms
The “green room” is the term for the performers’ waiting room right before going on stage. This white, sliding door allows the musicians or actors to climb a few steps to access their awaiting audience.
“Save The State” – 1982
W. S. Butterfield Theatre, Inc. closed The State Theatre in 1982. The plan was to tear it down and build a parking structure. Locals and theater lovers created the organization, “Save The State.” The group worked tirelessly to preserve the structure.
In 1985 The Hinman Company purchased the property. They typically bought multi unit buildings, but this theatre spoke to Roger’s heart. He’s the owner of the sixty person company. Our guide, Rachael said, “He purchased the theatre in 1985, and had often attended movies at the theatre as a child. Essentially the theatre is a passion project, and very important to all who work here.”
Paint was scraped to find the original colors hidden beneath. Partnerships were developed with Western Michigan University. Willing professors were assigned a single design to restore. They would have their volunteer students paint the repeated architectural feature. (roses, snakes, angel)
The detail in the architecture is remarkably unusual. It must have been painstakingly consuming to paint these intricate patterns.
Visitors know that they will soon be transported to an art-filled dimension.
Poppins and Da Viking Attend A Concert
This is where we entered the story of The State Theatre. As a college student in 1988, I’m embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t noticed the detail in the newly renovated theater. I wish I had appreciated the artful décor. I was more curious about the singer, Billy Bragg, and the cohorts in my group.
During the concert our friend, Brian, stated, “Play that one song!” but it went unheard. So at a quiet moment I called out the phrase. Billy Bragg turned toward my voice and laughed, “Why that’s the best heckle I’ve heard all night!” His British accent was charming.
Afterward we snuck into the alley and entered dressing rooms, hoping to meet Billy Bragg. We had never located him but we were satisfied with the exhilaration of being in a secretive space.
Other Concerts – 1990’s
In the early 1990’s during a Red Hot Chili Pepper’s concert this statue (below) was “crowd surfed.” I asked if she had a name. Rachael said that these statues had been ordered out of a catalog and no specific names were given to most of the relics. Some other headliners at that time were The Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam.
The Shows MUST Go On!
Roger E. Hinman’s daughter, Stephanie, is now the Executive Director of The State Theatre board. Harry Phillips, the Director of Marketing and Development, explained how Stephanie invited the staff to brainstorm ideas about how to connect with the public during the pandemic. He praised her willingness and open minded leadership.
With their liquor license in place and the city allowing The State Theatre to use part of Burdick Street, they developed “State on the Street.” Performers sang on the awning next to the marquee. Audience members could be safely distanced in a roped off area. Adult beverages were purchased indoors. People would peek into the atmospheric theatre. So, the idea for the ‘behind the scenes tours’ was created.
Harry and Rachael along with their team organized live stream concerts, too. Selling tickets to such an event demanded a new understanding of technology. Using four cameras during the streamed concert created a ‘television production protocol’ which theater people previously haven’t had to navigate. Luckily, Harry had worked at Channel 3 and had some experience with these skills. It was successful!
Creating these new methods to connect with the public during a pandemic has been an impressive undertaking. Harry was used to juggling three shows’ logistics while planning another three shows for the following week. Simultaneously he would be organizing upcoming shows with promoters and agents.
With the shutdown in March 2020 over 70 Michigan live music venues including The State Theatre, Seven Steps Up (Spring Lake) and the Intersection (Grand Rapids) have had to watch their revenues slip through their fingers like sand at a beach. Leaders from these organizations formed The Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association (MIVPA). It’s an alliance which has worked with lawmakers to help fund grants to bridge this unprecedented time. On December 19th, 2020 Bill 748 “Michigan Strategic Fund” was passed to help small businesses and music venues.
The MIVPA was formed following the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Over 2,000 national venues throughout all fifty states have joined this movement. #SaveOurStages
Let’s do our part to support local businesses, art and music venues so we will still be able to enjoy these life-enriching activities in our future. I am sure you are able to recall your very first concert you had attended and how it fortified your life. Seeing Billy Bragg gave me a yearning to see future State Theatre productions and participate in community theater myself.
A special “Thanks!” goes out to Rachael and Harry for their determination and creativity during this unsettling economic era. Their knowledge and passion were evident throughout their tour. Here’s the video Da Viking, Chuck, made from our tour ‘looking behind the curtain.’
Resources:
Rachael Reinholtz, House Manager and Special Events Coordinator
Harry Phillips, Director of Marketing and Development
The State Theatre 404 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone number: (269) 345-6500
https://www.kazoostate.com/about/history/
https://travsd.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/stars-of-vaudeville-162-tony-pastor/https://travsd.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/stars-of-vaudeville-162-tony-pastor/
https://hinmancompany.com/portfolio/kalamazoo-state-theatre-kalamazoo-entertainment/https://hinmancompany.com/portfolio/kalamazoo-state-theatre-kalamazoo-entertainment/
https://www.grpm.org/organ/
https://www.sentinel-standard.com/story/entertainment/music/2020/12/09/michigan-venues-promoters-form-new-trade-group-to-rescue-concert-businesses/115127060/
4 thoughts on “The State Theatre – Kalamazoo”
Loved this. I don’t remember seeing it earlier! So sad that such a historical place is closing. Loved the decor!
Hey Marcia,
Take hope!!
The Kalamazoo State Theatre is expected to reopen in 2027, in time for its 100th anniversary. The theater, which has been closed since November 2024, was recently purchased by Dan and Holly Carmichael of Lead Balloon Productions, who plan to restore, preserve, and modernize the venue.
Thinking back on my time as the Chair of the Save the State Theatre committee from 1977 to 1983… it was a wild ride. I’m Duwain Hunt, and it all started with an idea and a dream to save the Kalamazoo State Theatre. With the help of my friend, Rodger Kidston Esq, we founded the 501c3 Vaudeville Association.
We had some amazing people on our side, true Angels. Dorothy Upjon Dalton, Irving S. Gilmore our financial backers, Howard Chenery and Martha Parfet. These people were the real heroes, they saw our vision and helped us make it a reality. Howard advised and consult with us on how to create an authentic Vaudeville show, Martha and her team from Gilmore’s Department Store were especially helpful. They refurbished and cleaned all the old furniture we found in the basement, in what we called the “prop room”. This was the furniture that was used in the lobby and was stored there by Butterfield to protect it after the 60s renovation. The prop room in the basement of the state also had a lot of other historical artifacts, like old lighting fixtures. It’s a real shame that the room was demolished to make way for the restaurant called Angelina’s. I still don’t know what happened to all the contents.
I also remember the ugly orange seats on the main floor. They were taken from the Capitol Theater after it was closed in 1976 by Butterfield and installed on the main floor of the State Theatre. The balcony seats, though, are original, unless they’ve been replaced in the last 40 years. The garish carpet in the lobby and the bottle-glass doors into the seating area were also installed by Butterfield during a ’60s renovation. I think that’s when the current glass front and marquee was installed also.
Convincing Butterfield to allow us do our 50th Anniversary show was tough. They only gave us Tuesday and Wednesday because they didn’t want to disrupt their weekend movie schedule for “The Choir Boys.” I remember going to the Friday night movie after the 50th show and there were only 18 people in the audience. Our shows that Tuesday and Wednesday were completely sold out. The Butterfield folks came from Detroit to see the show and were completely surprised to see a full house. After that, we had proved ourselves had no more booking difficulties.
The work was hard. We spent almost three months clearing the stage. Butterfield had been using it as a storage facility for junk from the Capitol Theater. In the basement dressing rooms, we found 55-gallon barrels of water and cases of crackers from when the basement was a civil defense shelter during WWII. We had to get a plumber to get the sinks and toilets working again. It was a lot of grunt work, but so worth it.
We had to work around the movie schedule, so rehearsals were usually from 11 PM to 1 AM. The chorus line, however, was allowed to rehearse in the mornings before the matinees. We ahad to provide our own crew to set the movie screen and speakers before and after every rehearsal.
We were not alone in this venture. We had a great team, including the tech guys from Miller Auditorium, headed by John Flegel. They checked and repaired all the old stage equipment, including the light board, footlights, on stage lighting, and the carbon arc spotlight in the projection booth. Howard Wood and Lester, the projectionists who had been there since the theatre opened, kept the two old carbon arc projectors in perfect condition. There is a video interview with Lester. He was interview by Jean Gal from the Community Access Center. She also did an interview with Gordon Tendbrink one of the plasterers who did some did the finish work on the State facades. The original film projectors were replaced by a used automated system in the mid 80’s.
So many people gave their time and effort to help us. Ron Reisterer was key in getting Butterfield to let us do the 50th anniversary show and clearing the stage. BJ Mohberg, our producer, was in charge of getting the antique cars and drivers from Burton Upjohn to bring the actors to the theatre.and the outside festivity on the street in front of the State. Don Dillon Jr. and Bill Morse helped us get the members of the orchestra. Don Dillon III was Music Director and conducted the orchestra for shows. Bill Mollema, John Catherwood, Betty Darling, and Jim Lauck restored the Barton Pipe Organ and installed the post horn rank purchased by Mrs. Dalton, Lindsey Thomas from WMU Dance department was choreographer and recruited dancers for our Rockets like chorus line. Jerry Raffle of WKZO was our Interlocutor, Master of Ceremonies were also crucial. And, of course, Marvin Jameson, our stage manager, who was in charge of the on stage volunteer staff and meeting the headliners and acts technical needs..
There were hundreds of volunteers in those early days. They helped with everything from clearing the stage to re-lamping the 100s of lights behind the facades, over the proscenium arch stars in the ceiling and refurbishing the cloud machine projectors. We did all this to keep Ma Bell from buying the property and turning it into a parking lot. It was a rumor at the time, but we weren’t taking any chances. It was a time of hard work, dedication, and passion, and I’m so proud of what we all accomplished together
The State Theatre Vaudeville Association continued to produce live show at the State Theatre for more than a decade after the 50th Anniversary Vaudeville Show. The goal was to prove to the community that the State Theatre could once again truly be Kalamazoo’s premier downtown showcase for live entertainment once again.
A couple final notes. The construction photos we have were taken by a photography student at Kalamazoo Central as a summer project. I wish I knew his name but I don’t. He sent the photos to me through a friend in Kalamazoo.
Here’s the reason why W.S. Butterfield built such a grand theatre in Kalamazoo. The most prominent Vaudeville circuit of the day was the Keith-Albee Circuit. The train from Detroit to Chicago carried the acts right through downtown Kalamazoo. Once the State Theatre was built Butterfield had a facility and seating capacity to make a stop over in Kalamazoo practical and financially beneficial. I believe this fostered and helped develop an audience for a rich live performance culture that continues to exist in the Kalamazoo area today.
Duwain Hunt
Dear Duwain Hunt,
Thank you for painting this picture of the dedicated individuals who have put their hearts into The State Theatre.
Your knowledge and commitment to The State Theatre is commendable! Thank you for taking the time to document these people
who have been integral in keeping this theatre going strong, especially with the threat of being replaced by a parking structure!
I’m about to re-read it! You’re a wealth of information!
Martha “Poppins” Hayden