After being closed last March along with all other entertainment venues across the country, The Fireside Dinner Theatre didn’t waste time trying to figure out how to reinvent itself and “ride it out” until it could reopen.
Along with gearing up for curbside dining on Wednesday and Friday nights, along with several holiday take-and-bake opportunities and moving the gift shop to an online store, the Fort Atkinson venue reopened the theater in late June.
First up was a weekend concert featuring resident artistic director Ed Flesch and Laura Cable, who had wowed Fireside audiences in two previous productions. It was the start of what was to be a “Summer Concert Series” until The Fireside could restart its theater season in the fall.
Of course, no one realized then that the coronavirus pandemic would stretch out its “intermission” acts into 2021.
Throughout the end of last summer, fall and now this winter, The Fireside continues to offer weekend entertainment following all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask requirements, social distancing and 25-percent audience capacity limits.
The talent and music genres range from popular Fireside cast members, including pianist Steve Watts, to nationally known tribute artists.
Coming up on stage are ABBA FAB on Feb. 20 and 21, a tribute to Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra on Feb. 27 and 28, and comedian/juggler Ivan Pecal on Saturday, March 6.
In addition,The Fireside is open for dining in, as well as curbside pickup, for the Friday Night Fish Fry.
Owner Ryan Klopcic said The Fireside is committed to offering these diversions and shared experiences that dining out and live entertainment provide to those people ready to venture out.
Fortunately, he added, The Fireside’s very loyal customer base and even new guests searching for someplace to go are finding it to be the perfect antidote to the ongoing pandemic.
“We are very pleased to be open at all and love seeing everyone, especial local guests for our curbside dinners, gift shops, Friday Night Fish Fry, as well as the concerts,” said Klopcic. Some people have been attending almost weekly throughout the pandemic and we’re grateful for that.
“We do look forward to getting back to our theater season and understand the crisis isn’t behind us yet,” he continued. “In the meantime, we’re operating as safely as possible under all CDC and Health Department guidelines, as well as the Wisconsin Restaurant Association’s Ready to Serve Safely program.”
For more information on Fireside events and curbside meal pickup, visit its Facebook page or click on the “concerts” tab at www.firesidetheatre.com.
ABBA FAB will perform the music of ABBA in a tribute concerts Feb. 20 and 21 at The Fireside Dinner Theatre. Photo courtesy of The Fireside Dinner Theatre.
Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra tribute artists will be on The Fireside Dinner Theatre stage on Feb. 27 and 28. Photo courtesy of the Fireside Dinner Theatre.
Comedian and juggler Ivan Pecal will be performing at The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson March 6. Photo courtesy of the Fireside Dinner Theatre.
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