Bay City’s State Theatre reopens for first time since February

BAY CITY, Mich. (WNEM) - A line of people outside of Bay City’s State Theatre, sharing their excitement for the reopening of the theatre. Friday night’s event was used as a fundraiser for Brian’s House in Essexville which provides end-of-life care.

President Jane Adams said the lack of nearby hospice resources spurred the nonprofit into existence back in 2017, “There’s not any hospice agencies around,” she said. “Hospice homes, guest homes around. There’s one, Tony and Trish in Auburn. But otherwise, Bay County, there isn’t.”

New theatre owner Jordan Dice and Adams put on Friday night’s inaugural concert. Pianists Cool2Duel played music from rock ‘n’ roll to R&B. Adams says leading up to the concert, she’s had quite a few inquiries, “My phone has not stopped ringing,” she said. “We sold tickets until yesterday at Brian’s House. We’ve sold over 200.”

Brian’s House held the last event at the theatre before its initial closing in February. It’s now a full circle moment with the organization hosting the first event after the theatre’s reopening eight months later.

Dice adds that, besides the reopening of the theatre, there’s more significance to Friday night’s event, “It’s a historic moment tonight because we brought two-hundred-year-old businesses together,” he said. “The concession stand is now branded St. Laurent Brothers.”

While the crowds enjoyed the music from concerts, Dice is planning for the future of State Theatre, adding he has more plans for the place, “Next year, we plan to hopefully bring movies, including new releases, and have it be back to a full functioning theatre again.”

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