- Photo by Robert Chase
Attorney Diane Bower (left) and Alison Loveday, executive director of the Michigan Theatre, hope to transform the historic landmark into all-purpose entertainment venue.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
When attorney Diane Bower walks through the doors of the historic Michigan Theatre in downtown Jackson, it’s like stepping back in time.
“Whenever I enter the lobby and start up the carpeted walkway, I’m always taken back for a moment to when I was 12 years old and bringing my little brother and sister to their first Saturday matinee,” she says. “Randy was four and Susie was five, and it took a lot to get the two of them to be quiet at the same time. But when they walked into that grand lobby, their eyes opened wide and they fell into a hushed silence that lasted through the whole movie.
“My sister still judges all movie theatres against the Michigan Theatre, which was the ‘First Theatre’ for her, and finds them all lacking.”
Bower, president of Marcoux, Allen, Schomer, Bower, Nichols & Kendall, has shared her passion for the Michigan Theatre by serving on its board of directors for the past three years.
“Linda Furgason, who has been actively involved in the Theatre since the initial purchase of the building in 1993, talked me into becoming a board member,” she says.
“From a board member perspective, I enjoy being part of a group that is working very hard to preserve an important part of Jackson’s culture and history. From a ‘people perspective,’ I enjoy just being there.”
The last and largest theatre built in downtown Jackson and the first air conditioned building downtown, The Michigan Theatre opened in 1930 to entertain Jackson residents with vaudeville and movies. It is being restored to its original grandeur through the efforts of the Michigan Theatre of Jackson Inc., a not-for-profit Michigan corporation that acquired the historic building from the City of Jackson in 1993.
The group, with a strong, committed team of volunteers, continues to restore and operate the theatre, bringing in classic films, art films, live theatre productions, concerts, meetings, and other community events. Bower was delighted to be told by one of her administrative assistants that the Michigan Theatre is the greatest bargain in town.
“She said she and her 5-year-old daughter go to the movies there often because it’s so affordable, and they love being able to sit in the balcony now,” Bower says. “Because of the economy, most people have had to cut back on luxuries like entertainment, and that can include not going to the movies because tickets for two people, plus popcorn, can cost around $25. At the Michigan Theatre it costs much less to see the same movies, on a bigger and better screen. And if you work as a volunteer at a movie or event, your admission is free!”
Bower’s favorite movie event at the theatre was the classic “‘Gone With the Wind.”
“No question, there’s something about seeing Atlanta burning and all of the other great cinematography, on such a big screen, that the multiplex small screen theatres cannot match.”
Although Bower took part in Children’s Theatre productions as a child, she no longer treads the boards as a performer.
“As a lawyer, I do litigation, so a certain amount of my courtroom work could be called performing – but I stick to the facts and avoid drama, except in the movies,” she jokes.
A Jackson native who attended Michigan Center High School and Jackson Community College, and graduated summa cum laude from Eastern Michigan University, Bower has been with Marcoux, Allen since graduating from the University of Michigan law school in 1980, and she became a shareholder in the firm in 1984.
Her principal areas of practice are banking law, corporate law, and employment law, including employment discrimination defense work.
She and her husband Richard live on a farm near Grass Lake.
The Michigan Theatre – with the slogan “Today’s Entertainment in an Historic Venue” – has a new executive director, Jackson native Alison Loveday, who has been involved in the arts from a young age – and who brings that creative passion to her new position.
“I want people in the community to think of the Theatre when it comes to planning their free time,” she says. “We’re not only trying to get people through our doors but into the downtown area.”
The goal is to transform the historic landmark into a major attraction for the region.
The Theatre is expanding its offerings with classic movies, free family movie nights, kids’ break series, closed captioned movies, school outings and more, Loveday says.
“We’re even looking at other features that can expand the programming to serve more of the community. That includes our own concert series, Sound Fusion, which provides local bands with an opportunity to play on the stage of the Theatre, and we’re also working with several promoters to bring in local, regional and national acts. We’re a venue that helps performers get out of the restaurants and bars. We’re a concert hall and we should be used for it.”
April movies include “Waiting for Superman,” and the comedy classic “Airplane.” The concert schedule is packed, with several concerts each month.
“We’re also looking at ways to attract comedians – Pauly Shore will be at the Theatre in June,” she says. “Other special events we’re hosting this year include cage fighting, semi pro wrestling, weddings, private parties, volunteer recognition programs and holiday parties.”
Loveday, a graduate of Napoleon High School, brings a wealth of experience to her new position: she previously worked for the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies — now ArtServe Michigan; VSA Arts of Michigan; Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County; and as principal consultant with Creative Consulting Partnerships, LLC.
After attending the University of Dubuque in Iowa, she transferred to Jackson Community College and earned an AAS in Acting & Technical Theatre, then earned a bachelor’s degree in arts administration and marketing at Eastern Michigan University.
“I was involved in theatre and forensics throughout school and college,” she says. “I have a passion for all forms of art.
“When it comes to films I love silent movies, Charlie Chaplin being my favorite actor of all time – all the expressions, emotions he can convey without saying a word and the comedy and slapstick: what can you say but genius.”
For more information, visit www.michigantheatre.org.
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