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Professional companies / Downtown Alpena

Thunder Bay Theatre

We couldn’t confirm it’s still running in 2026. Call or check its official site before you go.

Downtown Alpena's theater, which calls itself Northeast Michigan's only year-round professional theater. After two fires and a six-year hiatus, it's wrapping up a roughly $2 million renovation.

A two-story red brick corner building in Old Town Alpena, with a faded old pharmacy sign painted on its side

Thunder Bay Theatre · Photo from the venue’s official website

Quick facts

Opened
1983
Resident companies
Thunder Bay Theatre
Formerly
Alpena Cigar & Candy Factory building (theatre home since 1983)

01 / Playbill

Now on stage

Nothing on our calendar from this venue right now. Its full, current lineup is on its own site.

Full lineup on the venue’s site ↗

02 / The story of this place

Make time for these

Thunder Bay Theatre began in 1967 as Thunder Bay Summer Theatre, founded by Keith Titus in the Alpena Civic Theatre's building. It became a nonprofit in 1977 and went year-round in 1982. In 1983 it bought and renovated its current home at 400 N. Second Avenue, a former Alpena Cigar & Candy Factory, opening with The King and I. It mixes a professional company with volunteer talent. After two fires and a six-year hiatus, the building is finishing a roughly $2 million renovation, with reopening planned for late 2026 and a first event, “Autumn in New York,” already announced.

  • Since 1967, pros and volunteers together
  • In a former cigar and candy factory
  • First announced event: Autumn in New York

Plan your visit

The theater is at 400 N Second Ave in downtown Alpena; call (989) 354-2267. We couldn't confirm it's back in operation in 2026, so call or check the website before you go. Tickets for Autumn in New York are $25 before October 23 and $30 at the door.

Ticket prices

Autumn in New York: $25 before October 23, $30 at the door.

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