News from BoarsHead

I don't typically reproduce press releases, but this is one is about an event tomorrow and it's too late for me to get it into my column, so I'll share:

On Wednesday, February 13, a press conference will be held at 10:00 am in the Lansing City Hall Lobby at which Mayor Virg Bernero will declare February 13 as “BoarsHead Theater Day.” Music by John Dale Smith will accompany the press conference. BoarsHead Theater has served the Lansing area with professional theatrical productions for over 40 years, and has been designated as an Anchor Arts Organization by the State of Michigan.

“I am proud and honored that Lansing can boast such a superb theater and is one of the few professional, live theaters in the state. Organizations like the BoarsHead are important to the cultural landscape of the city and enrich our community as a place to live, work, play, visit and learn.” said Mayor Bernero

“The BoarsHead Theater is a non-profit regional organization dedicated to enriching the community through the production of classic and contemporary works along with those of emerging artists,” says Artistic Director Kristine Thatcher. “We aim to foster social awareness by providing a forum for culturally diverse artists and their works. We also provide educational opportunities through our youth outreach programs and workshops. We enhance the economic and cultural climate of our community by ensuring the availability of theater to underserved individuals and work with businesses and other arts organizations to attract audiences to the downtown district. It is estimated that we have a spillover affect on downtown businesses to the tune of $2,000,000 annually.”

"The BoarsHead Theater is a local gem, a magnet for the arts and a big factor in what sets Lansing apart from other towns and cities in Michigan. We've enjoyed our afternoons and evenings at the BoarsHead when we've had time to listen to the words, hear the music and see performances that have been as entertaining as they have been thought-provoking. Bravo to the BoarsHead Theater and Bravo to the city of Lansing for recognizing this great community resource," says Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern. Mulhern will appear at the press conference to issue a proclamation from the State of Michigan.

BoarsHead will present free public entertainment throughout four downtown locations from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m. Registration for free tickets will be offered at these location.

• Musical Entertainment by John Dale Smith and Janine Novenske Smith at Lansing City Hall Lobby
• Musical Entertainment by Jennifer Joan Joy and Jeff Kressler at Capitol National Bank
• Excerpts from Shakespeare by BoarsHead’s Second Company at Cooley Law School
• A Comedic Reading of “I’m Herbert” by Carmen Decker and Ken Beachler at the State Capitol Rotunda

OK, one major thing that just jumped out at me:

I am proud and honored that Lansing can boast such a superb theater and is one of the few professional, live theaters in the state.

This is just not true. Our state has quite a few professional, live theaters . Yes, Boarshead is a treasure and should be valued highly, but not because it is an endangered species.