1955_new_theater

It had just bee announced by Paul Ritledge, director of the Maxinkuckee Playhouse on the east shore of Lake Maxinkuckee at Culver, that a new and larger ground-level theater building is being constructed and will be ready for the opening of the sixth season of the Playhouse this June.

THe new structure is being erected in the rear of the present plant and will raise the seating capacity of the popular summer theater to over two hundred.

Because of the constantly rising attendance figure a new and larger biilding was a necessity. With the increased number of resident personnel, more living quarters were needed to house the company.

It was decided to turn the old theater into living quartes and to builf a new building to house the theatrical performances.

The new building is of concrete block with plywood for decoration. The 225 seats will be arranged on five levels with three rows of seats to each lever. With the seats staggared, it will be impossible for any one person to be directly in front of another. There will be for large doors to afford easy exit at all times. A large conrete promenade will extend from the new theater up to the dooow of the Green Room in the old building which will continue to serve as box office and lounge before and after the show.

An interesting screen treatment along sides will afford complere air circulation with an exhaust attic fan to keep the air clear.

Radiant heating pales will be installed to take the chill off the house on cool nights.

A special electric lin is being brought in from the highway to afford sufficient electrical powe for the new theater and the parking lot.

The new stage itself will be larger with enough wing space on either side to allow for east handling of set changes.

The old theater will be divided into six rooms and a lounge which will serve as living quarters for a large portion of the company.

The exact opening date of the Playhpidr for this season will be announced in the near future. - Kokomo Tribune (Indiana)

1955 April 23 - New Theater Being Built at Maxinkuckee