As we approach its seventy-fifth anniversary, The Grosse Pointe Theatre has shared its love of the stage with our community for decades. We are blessed to have such a world class theatre group as a central part of our society’s fabric. Throughout the years, the Grosse Pointe Theatre has brought smiles, tears, laughter and meaning to our everyday lives.
The last few years have been challenging for the Grosse Pointe Theatre. “The performing arts were greatly affected by the COVID pandemic for over eighteen months.” Says Executive Director, Linda Zublick. "The Community theatre and performing arts in general were probably most affected for the longest period of time.” “We had to figure out how to be creative, stay in front of the public, and connected to our patrons without being live and in-person.” During this time, this local Theatre had to transform its way of performing and re-create itself. With changing its platform to Virtual Film, YouTube, and Outdoor Theatre, they found that they were able to continue their mission and share their passion of performance with the community. The Grosse Pointe Theatre put together such virtual performances as The Shakespeare Monologues, A Love Letter from GPT, Singin’ Outdoor Theatre and much more.
Just last February for Valentine’s Day, they created a virtual performance highlighting relationships born on stage and narrated by the couples who came together through the Grosse Pointe Theatre. “It was a huge hit.” Says Zublick “Some of these couples had been together for fifty plus years and met on stage.” “People just loved these romantic stories.” The Outdoor Theatre went into backyards, churches and other community courtyards to spread the joy during the holidays. Zublick explains, “Although the pandemic certainly was a challenge, it was important to the Theatre to make sure that they were still reaching out to the community to fulfill their mission to connect and entertain.”
As the Theatre continues to move forward with programming, they are still experiencing some COVID issues. Linda, the Board, and its Members however, have found innovative ways to help keep everyone safe. "Smaller cast sizes, smaller orchestras, and smaller numbers help,” Zublick says. They recently had to cancel three performances of It's a Wonderful Life because a cast member contracted the Virus. "We have gone to fully digital ticketing, every other row seating, and requiring masks.” The first few performances in the new season have limited actors but they are hopeful by summer, they will be ready for a larger cast in the Sound of Music.
The Grosse Pointe Theatre is no stranger to obstacles. A few year's back, they lost their primary venue and had to find alternative performance sites. The War Memorial had hosted the performances of the Grosse Pointe Theatre for 50 years. “It took some adjusting when we left but we have a lot of angels looking out for us.” Says Zublick. The Grosse Pointe Public School System and University Liggett School offered to partner until the new Arts Center is built. The A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts and the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Gallery will break ground sometime this summer and will be home to the Theatre in 2024. This world class performing arts center will allow the Theatre to offer an even higher level of artistic excellence.
Over the last seventy-four years, The Grosse Pointe Theatre has become highly respected not only because of the level of talent they are able to recruit but also because of their outstanding youth development program. ‘Youth On Stage’ is a renowned program that has served thousands of children and enabled them to gain self confidence, make new friends, and ultimately has made a difference in their lives. YOS usually has two performances per year but because of COVID, the Theatre is hosting only classes and will return to normal as soon as it is safe to do so. For the past 40 years, scholarships have also been given to the program for theatrical summer camps by the Theatre and its generous donors.
The Grosse Pointe Theatre is a volunteer, member-based, non-profit and is extremely passionate about its mission. "Over all of these years, we have continued to stay out front and share our message of love to the community," says Zublick.
To view the Love Letters, go to YouTube and search ‘Love Letter from GPT’.
To share your love with the Grosse Pointe Theatre, go to gpt.org or call, 313-881-4004.
upcoming shows
Nunsense
February 18-20 and 24-27, 2022
Pierce Middle School Auditorium
Tickets available at gpt.org
I Hate Hamlet
April 1-3 and 7-10, 2022
Parcells Middle School Auditorium
The Sound of Music
June 24-26, 29-30 and July 1-3
Parcells Middle School Auditorium
Purdon Studio Theatre
Talk Radio
March 11-12 and 17-19, 2022
Christ Church Grosse Pointe
Take Ten
Grosse Pointe Theatre’s 10-Minute Play Festival
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Christ Church Grosse Pointe
