Crystal Theatre to reopen June 18

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CRYSTAL FALLS — After the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of its doors last year, the Crystal Theatre will reopen with a show by the The Bergonzi Trio on Friday, June 18. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
In a press release, Crystal Theatre Board Secretary Ruth Warmanen said the theatre “is ready to celebrate a significant milestone and another reopening.”
Thirty years ago, the building known as The Aldo Movie Theater, reopened its doors after being closed for more than a decade.
“Thanks to the vision and dedication of five key volunteers - Walter Krajewski, Bill Jacobson, Clinton Ross, Ken Lamprecht, and Pr. Cy Warmanen - the theater had been restored as a performing arts venue and given a new name,” the release went on to say.
Last year, the pandemic forced theatre doors closed across the country and the globe.
“Although performances could not be enjoyed, the theatre did not sit idle,” Warmanen said. “An empty auditorium provided the opportunity to replace the original 1927 stage rigging, which was antiquated and unsafe.”
 New beams and ropes were installed for the curtains and lights, and a new movie screen put in place for classic films and documentaries.
“Although the theatre has been dark for over a year, the board of directors have been busy tackling some major projects,” said Board President Wilma Kallies. “We are both exhausted and excited for audiences to experience the new reopening.”
The Bergonzi Trio will perform in conjunction with the Pine Mountain Music Festival, which is marking its 30th anniversary this year. The group released its first album of Beethoven and Brahms trios in the spring of 2020.
The group, particularly its new pianist Lindsay Garritson, will be the first to perform on the theater’s new Baldwin piano.
Tickets may be purchased for $20 at pmmf.org, thecrystaltheatre.org or at the door.
The summer season of live entertainment will continue with Pandolfi and Deutsch on July 9 at 7 p.m. International concert pianist Thomas Pandolfi joins violinist Lindsay Deutsch in a program spanning classical, jazz and popular hits.
On July 15, at 7 p.m., local musicians will begin a series of monthly concerts called Third Thursday Local’s Launch. Each concert will feature two groups and will be scheduled on the third Thursday of July through October.
Final arrangements are in progress for more entertainment this season. Music offerings will range from country blues and rock ‘n roll to classical and instrumental brass.
The documentary “The Fungus Among Us” will premiere during Fungus Fest, Missoula Children’s Theater will prepare local kids for a production of “Sleeping Beauty,” and Beethoven and Banjos will return with Woodland Sky dancers as featured performers.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of renewal, a booklet has been compiled containing discount coupons from various Iron County businesses and registration for a raffle of prizes.
The booklet will soon be available for $30 at Ben Franklin and The Twisted Twig in Crystal Falls and the Iron County Chamber Office in Iron River.