EXCELSIOR, Minn. — After more than eight decades of entertaining Excelsior, Old Log Theatre will end its long history of productions in early March.
Owners Greg and Marissa Frankenfield announced Tuesday that the theatre will discontinue operations with final events on March 2, and Cast & Cru restaurant will close the same day.
The couple said it was with a "heavy heart" that they have decided to retire.
"We take immense pride in the Old Log Theatre's 84 years of artistic excellence and the exceptional creativity and high quality of Cast & Cru Restaurant," the Frankenfields wrote in an email. "On behalf of our family, we extend our deepest gratitude to our patrons, groups, remarkable artists, talented kitchen staff, and amazing employees who have consistently contributed to our success."
The Frankenfields have owned the historic theatre for the past 11 years.
"We are filled with gratitude and humility for the support we have received over the years," they said.
Old Log Theatre Marketing Director Maureen Kvam said the owners don't have any immediate plans for the property.
"It's such a landmark in Minnesota. To have it stop producing shows is really the end of an era," Kvam said. "It's very sad, but it's a change. And I look forward to figuring out and seeing what the next change is."
Ann Woodbeck, the owner of Excelsior Bay Books in town, said the closure of Old Log Theatre "is a little bit like a death in the Excelsior family."
"It's an iconic theater. It has brought people to our town and to our community for many, many years," Woodbeck said. "I would like to see the equivalent of summer stock theatre stay in a community like ours, which is still very much a summer-centric town. I hope they can find someone else who could renovate and keep up the traditions of the Old Log."
According to its website, Old Log Theatre started as a summer stock company in 1940 inside a log stable. It went on to produce numerous classic shows and launch the careers of several big names, including Minnesota natives Loni Anderson and Steve Zahn.
Patrons can use gift cards at Cast & Cru through March 2; refunds will be provided to valid cardholders after that date.
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