News Photo by Darby Hinkley Work is progressing on the outside of Thunder Bay Theatre at 400 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena. A fundraiser is planned for Saturday, Nov. 23.

ALPENA — Thunder Bay Theatre will host a Speakeasy Cabaret fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 23. A cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. at Joshua Tree Studio and Spa, followed by cabaret performances featuring Thunder Bay Theatre alumni, board members, and local performers.

The fundraiser will mark the beginning of the last portion of TBT’s capital campaign to reopen after two devastating fires and theft.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Chef Reid Krebs of Blue Moon Cafe, with vintage cocktails and mocktails by the Gentleman Viking. Tickets are $50 before Nov. 18 and will be $65 up until the time of the event. Tickets for the event may be purchased through Thunder Bay Theatre’s website or by calling the box office at 989-354-2267.

Businesses or organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact TBT through its Facebook page or by emailing thunderbaytheatreboard@gmail.com.

“Our goal is to raise $25,000 at this event to serve as cornerstone gifts to rebuild the theatre’s warehouse,” said TBT Board President Anne Gentry.

Prior to the fires, the warehouse was used to store and build sets and supplies. The warehouse wall was adjacent to the backstage area, which was also destroyed in the December 2023 fire. The cost to rebuild the warehouse is over $500,000. Thunder Bay Theatre received $200,000 from insurance and will need to raise an additional $300,000 to reopen.

The entire project to renovate the building and rebuild the warehouse, starting with the damage from the July 2020 fire that destroyed the John A. Lau Saloon, is close to $2 million. The TBT Board of Directors has secured just over $1 million in grant and foundation support for the original renovation from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the First Federal Legacy Foundation, and the Besser Foundation, with a remaining $400,000 in organizational funds.

For more information about the Speakeasy Cabaret and the building project’s history, visit thunderbaytheatre.com.

Located in historic downtown Alpena, Thunder Bay Theatre, Inc. is a year-round nonprofit theatre committed to providing consistent, high-quality productions and educational opportunities utilizing a professional core company, augmented with community talent.