Olathe theater finds a home at Chestnut Fine Arts Center
Olathe building doubles as director's residence and theater
Brad Zimmerman, pianist and owner of Chestnut Fine Arts Center
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Bradley F. Zimmeran's home is the theater — literally.
For the past 12 years, the intimate, offbeat Chestnut Fine Arts Center in downtown Olathe has doubled as Zimmerman's home and playhouse.
"Theater was my passion," said Zimmerman, explaining how he became the founder and Executive Director of the Chestnut Fine Arts Center. "After working at a lot of other theaters, I thought it would be nice to be in charge and in control of my destiny."
Photo Gallery
Chestnut Fine Arts Center
A playhouse for musicals and show tunes in Olathe, Kansas
On May 1, 1998, Zimmerman moved into the building at 234 North Chestnut Street and began teaching music lessons. The building had previously served as a day care and was already zoned for commercial use. An extended renovation followed, and today the theater packs in over 12,000 visitors a year to see everything from a 17-person production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" to the two-person comedy "Greater Tuna."
While other playhouses in Olathe concentrate on play productions, the Chestnut mainly puts on smaller musicals, family-friendly productions and comedies. The lineup for the coming season will include "Little Shop of Horrors," "Godspell," a folk music show, a tribute to 1940s "Crooners" like Frank Sinatra, and even a tribute to boy bands.
On stage at the Chestnut
The Chestnut's current production is Moon River: Johnny Mercer's American Songbook. The show's cast includes Jon Daugharthy, Cara Michelle Fish, Sarah Mae Lamar and Cary Mock. The show runs through March 7th.
Another notable show at the Chestnut that will open on April 1st is Ain't She Sweet: Dixieland & Ragtime which will feature a full 6-piece Dixieland Band and four singers
Tickets are $21 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. For more information on group rates and season tickets, call (913) 764-2121.
"Musicals sell better, and our audience seems to enjoy and request them," Zimmerman said. "In an ideal world I would do half plays and half musicals, but I want to make the best decision for our business."
Operating a theater out of his home doesn't afford Zimmerman a lot of privacy (his living room doubles as an office and is cluttered with computers and phones) but he says he feels lucky to run such a unique venue. Attaining 501(c)3 non-profit status in 2002 allowed The Chestnut Fine Arts Center to be eligible for grant funding and support from private donors.
Musical roots
Twenty-seven years ago, Zimmerman started the Dickens Carolers, a professional group of Christmas carolers who sing at parties and other holiday events.
"We began with four singers and one client," Zimmerman said of the group, which has been featured on Good Morning America and entertained Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. "Now we entertain at about 250 events per season."
Although most of Zimmerman's time goes to the Chestnut, he still finds time for teaching. Zimmerman gives private lessons and puts on children's workshops, drawing on his decade of experience as a music teacher. This summer, Zimmerman will teach two weeklong theater camps.
Relocation?
Although the Chestnut is thriving, Zimmerman may have to eventually relocate if Johnson County and the City of Olathe proceed with plans to build a county courthouse in the theater's location.
"I own the property to the east and was planning a major expansion until the courthouse situation surfaced," Zimmerman said. "I cannot go forward with any major expansion until I know more from the city and county. This is an extremely frustrating situation, but business at the Chestnut continues to grow. We are focusing our efforts on the day-to-day operations."
He says he's unsure where he'd relocate if the City goes forward with its plans, which were first announced in 2005 and are currently under review.
"I have looked (at a) few locations, but it will depend on the compensation provided by the city and county," he said.
"This is a very unique space," Zimmerman said of the Chestnut Fine Arts Center. "It's about the experience. It's kind of like walking into a bed and breakfast — seeing all the pictures and what we have to offer is just as much of an outing as going to see the play itself. We can't just relocate to a brick building down the street. It wouldn't be the same."
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.