In downtown Mt. Pleasant,
the Broadway Theatre isn’t just a venue—it’s a living piece of history—standing as a testament to the power of the arts and community spirit. For over a century, this historic theater has captivated local audiences with live performances, film screenings, and cultural events, creating memories that span generations. Today, the nonprofit Friends of the Broadway is leading the charge to inspire and connect audiences, to ensure its future remains just as vibrant.
A Personal Passion for Preservation
"My involvement with the Broadway Theatre is tied to a mix of personal passion, community commitment, and a desire to leave a lasting impact," says Phillip "Phil" Mikus, board chairperson for the Friends of the Broadway (FOB).
Elected in June 2024, Mikus leads a 14-member board dedicated to restoring and revitalizing the historic vaudeville-era venue.
"The theater is more than just a performance space,” he shares. “It’s a place to build connections, foster creativity, and provide opportunities for people to be involved in something meaningful."
Board member John Klak shares a similar passion.
A retired teacher and theater director from Mt. Pleasant High School (MPHS), Klak first served on the board from 2005 to 2010, overseeing key capital improvement projects. He is currently working as producer and technical director of this year's MPHS Musical “The Addams Family: School Edition.” (Read more about the production
here.)
"I was drawn to the possibilities that existed in the space," says Klak. "Soon after I retired from teaching in 2024, I heard that the FOB was looking for new board members, so I applied and re-joined the board this past September."
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Photo Courtesy of Phil Mikus / Broadway Theatre.
Entertain, Educate, and Enrich: A Journey of Dedication and Resilience
Since acquiring the theatre in 2000, the FOB has worked tirelessly to preserve and improve the space. Volunteers and community support have fueled its transformation, from staging live productions to hosting independent films and partnering with local organizations for cultural events.
The Broadway Theatre's mission—to entertain, educate, and culturally enrich—continues to drive its programming.
A cultural highlight came in November 2024, when the theatre collaborated with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College to present "Star Wars: A New Hope," dubbed in Ojibwe.
In December, the theatre showcased young talent with Disney’s "Frozen Jr," and in January it served as a space for education by partnering with Central Michigan University’s ROTC program to screen "Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey."
Klak recalls his early involvement when his MPHS Play Production class performed at the Broadway Theatre while Mt. Pleasant High School was under construction.
“Somehow the chance to use the Broadway for our productions just fell in our laps. We did two weekends of performances after building our sets in a standard classroom, dismantling the sets, transporting the pieces across town in a trailer, then reassembling the sets at The Broadway," Klak shares. “I believe that my MPHS Play Production classes were actually the first people to perform productions on the Broadway Theatre stage in many many years.”
The Broadway also plays a crucial role in shaping young talent.
Shepherd High School sophomore Ava Kingsley shares her experience: "I started performing at the Broadway Theatre when I was in 6th grade by doing the camp, but I didn’t do an official show until I was in 8th grade. I had heard of other people doing shows there and wanted to gain more experience outside of my school."
Kingsley has since taken on roles including Marty in "Grease" and Johanna in "Sweeney Todd," and she reflects positively on how her work with the organization affects her life.
"The Broadway Theatre has impacted my life in many different ways,” shares Kingsley. “I have made many new connections with cast and crew members, as well as directors. Being a part of the Broadway Theatre has allowed me to expand my theater experience by being in casts with different age groups. It has allowed me to grow as an actress both personally and professionally."
A Pillar of Downtown Mt. Pleasant
As one of downtown’s historic landmarks, the Broadway Theatre contributes to the City of Mt. Pleasant’s cultural landscape.
"People have a variety of connections to the theater," says Klak. "Some people have fond memories of the theater as the place where they saw a classic film decades ago, while others … may associate the space with being the place where they saw a live band, or attended Alpha Psi Omega's ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show.’”
Klack adds that for others, like Kingsley, the theater was “the place where they caught the theater bug in a Broadway Players or Playhouse Kids Production."
The FOB says the theatre’s impact is underscored by generous community support.
"The Michigan Arts and Culture Council awarded us a $17,500 grant for operational costs,” shares Mikus. “The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation granted $18,000 for auditorium ceiling lights and fans (through support from the W.E. Martin Fund and Community Impact Fund). And Isabella Bank gifted us $25,000—a major boost toward essential renovations."
“The design process is moving along quite well,” Mikus continues. “In another few weeks we may have all the design information available so the Friends of the Broadway board can move forward with these important and long-awaited projects.”
Other recent improvements include a fresh coat of paint on the building’s back walls, made possible through a $6,500 grant from the City of Mt. Pleasant's Downtown Business District facade restoration program.
"The new, bright color has improved the aesthetic quality of downtown," Mikus adds.
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Photo Courtesy of Phil Mikus / Broadway Theatre.A grant was awarded to update the exterior walls of the Broadway Theatre. This photo is “before” the update.
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Photo Courtesy of Phil Mikus / Broadway Theatre.“With a 50/50 grant from the Downtown Business District, we were able to repaint the exterior walls in the summer of 2024," says FOB’s Phil Mikus.
The Friends of the Broadway Non-profit Organization Looks Ahead
Looking ahead, the Friends of the Broadway have ambitious goals.
"We are working on funding for our Stage Revival Project, which includes replacement of the stage curtains, including the big and beautiful Grand Curtain that adorns the front of the stage,” Mikus says. “Another part of the Stage Revival Project is the cleaning and restoration of the historic frescoes that grace our auditorium walls."
He notes future projects also include restoring the 1940s art deco neon marquee and renovating the lobby concessions area.
Accessibility also remains a key focus.
"One of our biggest dreams for what the Broadway could become in the future is to be fully accessible to all," Mikus explains. "Currently, our restrooms are in a lower level below the lobby. Construction of a universally accessible restroom on the main floor of the building would open the theater to everyone in the community."
Klak ventures a vision of an even larger transformation.
"If by chance the business next door to our building were ever able to move to a new space and the building next door were able to be purchased by the FOB, that would be a huge plus for the theater,” Klak says. “It would give us the ability to create a larger lobby space with more accessible restrooms on the main floor and the ability to expand our backstage space."
“Comedy Slam!” Brings Laughter and Opportunity
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As far as new offerings on the docket, the Broadway’s newly minted "Comedy Slam!" series is bringing laughter and excitement to town. After a successful inaugural event in February, the series will continue on the last Friday of each month.
The “Comedy Slam!” series features amateur comedians competing in a judged contest, with winners earning a spot in a larger "Comedy Night Live!" event alongside professional comedians.
Organized and hosted by volunteer Devon Waslusky, the event provides local talent with a platform to develop their skills and gain live audience experience.
"Comedy has always been a type of performing art that can bring a lot of people together. We need that more than ever," says Waslusky. "I have been rolling it around in my head for a while, but when I mentioned to Phil that I wanted to do something like this, he gave me the go-ahead to bring in a proposal. I wanted to use this opportunity to help give some Michigan amateur comedians a path toward connecting with established working comedians to boost their careers and give them real red-curtain stage experience as well."
The series has already generated enthusiasm across the area, with support of other local venues such as Rubbles.
"When I went to a comedy night at Rubbles, they were happy to announce the event to everyone there, and the number of people that approached me with interest was awesome," Waslusky shares. "I am excited to see how it all goes, and how it grows after our first few events and if it becomes a mainstay."
Beyond comedy, Waslusky sees "Comedy Slam!" as a way to support the Broadway Theatre's ongoing fundraising efforts.
“We made over $800 [at the first one], the winner was Jay-R Cortinas, and it was a full house,” Waslusky says. “People are very excited for the next one!”
The next “Comedy Slam!” is set for Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m. The events are for ages 18+ and prohibit alcohol, smoking, or vaping on the premises. Admission is $5 online or $8 at the door, with proceeds supporting future comedy shows and the theater’s restoration projects.
Involvement for a Brighter Future
Day-to-day operations at the Broadway are powered by donors and volunteers, including board members, technicians, and performers, as well as regular community members.
"Volunteers handle everything from routine cleaning to set construction, promotional efforts, and grant writing. Our productions wouldn’t happen without all of the passionate directors, actors, and musicians volunteering their time and talent," Mikus explains, adding financial donations are always appreciated—and that community members can
adopt a chair.
Mikus says FOB members would love to receive feedback from the local community on the types of musicals or plays they would like to see on the Broadway Theatre stage. The board meets at the theater the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., and includes time on the agenda for public comment. He welcomes anyone wanting to get involved to drop a note at
Us@FriendsOfTheBroadway.org or send a message through their Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheBroadway.