Over the years, love has woven its way through the Brown Grand in many ways. One individual who has been especially taken with the Brown Grand is Marci Penner, Director Emeritus from the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Marci was gracious enough to allow us to share a recent letter she penned in support of the Brown Grand’s capital project to replace the theatre’s vintage lighting and sound systems.
She writes, “Concordia’s Brown Grand is the grand dame of Kansas opera houses - literally and figuratively. For more than a century, this community and the dedicated volunteers who manage the theatre have given their all to preserve and enliven this 1907 icon. Their tireless efforts have kept it operating as a classy regional gathering place for the arts, a tourism anchor, and a point of deep local pride in a city of just under 5,000 people.”
“Historic buildings like this one require ongoing investment and care. To continue attracting quality musicians, acts, and artists, the Brown Grand urgently needs upgraded lighting and sound equipment. While the local community continually works to raise funds, this project deserves an extra boost.”
“Visitors come not only for the quality of the performances, but for the experience of sitting in a stunning, historic theatre - with its ornate proscenium arch, gold decorative moldings, and brass rails framing box seats draped in rich, forest-green curtains. Countless students and emerging performers have found inspiration on this stage. And audiences - whether local, regional, or from out of state - have left with fond and lasting memories beneath the magnificent curtain painted with Napoleon’s image.”
Marci continues, “Upgraded lighting and sound are essential for maintaining the Brown Grand as a top-rate, first-class venue - one that can continue drawing both performers and visitors. The theatre is also an integral part of the broader tourism package that includes the National Orphan Train Museum, the POW Camp Museum, the Nazareth Motherhouse, and the Whole Wall Mural. Together, these sites make Concordia a popular group tour destination. If one falters, the appeal of the whole community is diminished.”
“I’ve watched the Brown Grand Theatre struggle and survive, meet challenges and thrive…dollars invested here will not only preserve a treasured Kansas landmark but also strengthen the cultural and tourism fabric of north-central Kansas.” Thank you, Marci! We hope our community agrees and will consider giving the Brown Grand the extra boost it needs.
You can help keep the love alive at the Brown Grand by helping us to close the gap to reach our $402,000 goal for “Giving Voice to the Past, Illuminating the Future” this year. A gift in any amount will help us bring this project to fruition. To make a tax-deductible donation to support this timely lighting and sound project, mail a gift to: The Brown Grand Opera House, PO Box 347, Concordia, KS 66901. Checks made payable to the Brown Grand, or give securely online at: www.browngrand.org/donate-now. For more information, reach out to Brown Grand Executive Director, Melissa Swenson at 785-243-2553.
