We were visiting family in the Bemidgi area and were able to get tickets to join in on the play. It was a Sunday matinee. I have seen lots of plays at local theater and this was great. Great actors, fun play. I was really impressed! Wow! What a fun way to relax. Don't forget to go across the street and order a fun drink or get some candy at the little shop. I can't remember what it's called but the chocolate covered potato chips are awesome.
5 women of the famiy went to Bemidji to celebrate 2 birthdays and were looking for things to do that were different from the usual. We happened upon the theater the first night while uptown and made plans to return the next night for the play, "Noises Off" in 3 acts. The building is amazing in it's original movie theater arrangement. The first act was an important foundation for the 2 acts to follow. In the second act, we were all laughing so hard, we were crying. A great comedy farce. Good value at $22 per ticket. This was only the 4th night for this production and it was very well done.
The Playhouse is an unexpected jewel in the Northwoods of Minnesota. Yes, this is professional theater. Actors come from Minneapolis/St.Paul to bring us their best. Catch a meal at Tutto Bene or Brigids Pub then off to the play, all in the same block. Then cross the street to Chocolates Plus during intermission. (yes there is time)
A local tradition, the Playhouse has entertained people for many years. Early years were in a back building at Rutger's resort, and now they are housed in the former Movie theater. The plays run the gambut of styles, but are all well directed and acted. Actors include locals and professionals from all over. Sets are often made by drama students from Bemidji State University. Kind of kitchy. Chocolates Plus across the street stays open on Thursday playnights. Talk about intermissions! Good date night.
I have attended all of the plays at the Historic Chief Theater in downtown Bemidji this year. The actors are nothing short of professional and talented. I have really enjoyed "The Seussical." It is a fun play for all ages. Once again, the Paulbunyan Playhouse has had an extremely fun season. Congrats to all involved. Great job.
Small town theater, big talent, multi-generational plays. Everyone is made to feel welcome, you can't miss. Go for the season tickets of donate to keep art in Bemidji. (Plus great chocolates across the street at intermission. Go for the milk chocolate malted milk balls and sea salt chocolate.)
Superb acting, intimate theatre - a must do if you are in Bemidji in the summer. We really enjoyed the show - and we were there on opening night! Obviously very professional actors that are enjoying the north woods in the summer and sharing their talent. Wish we could be there to see the other offerings this summer. We ate at Bene Tutto before the show and it made for a delightful evening. Free parking right behind the theatre.
I used to go to places like this in the mountains and the beach as a kid and just loved them! This is a summer theater and provides a great entertainment value in a historic setting. Attending a performance has become a highlight of my trips to Bemidji, which I have wound up bringing campers to and from camp for the last several summers. It is something I look forward to. Sure does beat watching pay for view and eating Dominos in a motel room!
We like the historic theatre and most of the plays are great. They tend to use the same actors all the time and I know for a fact there are plenty of actors being over looked for parts. I haven't gone since 2010 after I heard they weren't giving so many of the talented people of Bemidji a chance to perform.
Paul Bunyon Playhouse, now located in what was an old movie theater in downtown Bemidji, has produced some of the finest theater in the 34 years we have been viewing their productions. They are now comfortably at home in this old theater, plenty of room for lots of people, and the plays they offer range from comedy to high drama to musicals. You can check out their website for their seasonal productions, they have Sunday matinees for reduced ticket prices, and once you have attended one of their productions I would imagine you would line up for more tickets for further productions.