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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

State Theater set to open

Board reaches out to major donors for support

Keith Vandervort
Posted 10/23/19

ELY - The seats are in at Ely’s Historic State Theater and the restoration is nearing completion, thanks to the folks at Alley A Realty, who have been renovating the space for the past five years. …

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State Theater set to open

Board reaches out to major donors for support

Posted

ELY - The seats are in at Ely’s Historic State Theater and the restoration is nearing completion, thanks to the folks at Alley A Realty, who have been renovating the space for the past five years.

Now the non-profit board that will operate the theater is reaching out to the community of Ely, neighboring towns and visitors to help fund the cinema equipment needed for its two theaters.

“We’d love to feature Casablanca in a classic movie series and are thrilled to bring new exciting films and offer music and theater productions in downtown Ely,” said Board Chair David Wigdahl.

He presented an essential wish list for contribution opportunities to make Ely’s movie and theater dreams come true:

Two donations of $50,000 will purchase a 4K projector and screen.

Four donations of $10,000 will buy the theater’s audio system.

Four donations of $5,000 will provide a stage lighting system.

30 donations of $1,000 will purchase a projector for the second screening room.

“Donations in any amount are sought and welcome for there are other equipment needs as well,” Wigdahl said. “We can almost smell the popcorn!”

The board plans to invite the public to an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and plans to begin showing movies in the coming months. “We will host our inaugural theater production, ‘The Quiltmaker’s Gift,’ with the proposed stage lighting system, starting Jan. 24,” he said.

“All this depends on movie, theater and music lovers, both individuals and organizations, stepping up with funding for the screen, projector, audio and lighting equipment,” Wigdahl added. “Members of the board will reach out to people and groups who the board hopes will help in the next weeks. To paraphrase Humphrey Bogart, ‘In all the theaters in all the towns in the world, we hope you walk into ours.’”

To make tax deductible contributions, contact Board Chair David Wigdahl at dwigdahl@gmail.com or 218-235-6300 or P.O. Box 34, Ely, MN 55731.

ely, theatre, theater