Once upon a time, “dinner and a show” was a date in two places; first you went to dinner, then you went to a show. Today, in venues across Wisconsin, it’s a date in one place where you do two things – dinner and a show. And so was born the dinner theatre. Here, theater-goers reserve a table proximal to the stage where a four-course dinner is followed by a three-act play. What could be more convenient, or more entertaining? Enjoy these Wisconsin dinner theatres where they feed both the body and the soul.
The Fireside Dinner Theatre – Fort AtkinsonOpened in 1964, the Klopcic family took the Fireside “Hollywood” in 1978 by adding a 585-seat theater-in-the-round to their popular restaurant. Since then they have staged more than 140 professional productions ranging from “Oklahoma” to “High School Musical.” They are one of the Midwest's most popular entertainment destinations, a perennial motorcoach favorite, and the only Actor’s Equity dinner theatre in Wisconsin.
The Fireside produces six Broadway musicals each year featuring professional talent, gorgeous costumes, top-notch choreography and lighting. Whether you’ve come for the performance or not, the Fireside’s cuisine is exceptional as is its service. As a bonus, the facility houses five gift shoppes offering more than 50,000 little luxuries. 1131 Janesville Avenue, 800/477-9505
Fanny Hill – Eau ClairePerched atop a bluff overlooking the city of Eau Claire,
Fanny Hill is a delightful blend of restaurant, dinner theater and faux-Victorian B&B. Their company of professional players mounts five productions annually – usually four hilarious comedies and a Broadway musical. Patrons can see the shows with or without dinner. Separate restaurant facilities serve Thursday through Saturday with a terrific Friday fish fry and a very popular Sunday brunch. Dinner theatre tickets can be purchased as part of a package that includes on-site B& B accommodations, preferred seating, a wine and cheese reception, plus in-room flowers, champagne and sweets. Fanny Hill’s landscaping is fabulous, as are their displays of Halloween jack-o-lanterns and Christmas lights. 3919 Crescent Avenue, 800/292-806
The Armory – JanesvilleOriginally built in 1930,
The Armory was once, well…an armory. It was the home of Company A of the National Guard’s 192nd Tank Battalion. The martial exterior of the building has been preserved, while the interior is an elegant mix of original elements and modern décor; a stunning array of brickwork, terrazzo floors, and decorative iron. The facility boats three restaurants including the Drill Hall Dinner Theater which seats 228 for productions mounted by The Armory players. Every Thursday it’s “Comedy Night,” with stage performances Friday through Sunday evenings. Productions are usually Broadway musicals ranging from “Sweeney Todd” to “Guys & Dolls.” 10 S. High Street, 866/995-7400
Broadway Dinner Theatre – Wisconsin DellsThis state-of-the-art
Broadway Dinner Theater produces the Midwest’s best Branson-style revue shows; think “Forever Plaid,” “The Fabulous 50s,” “Always – Patsy Cline,” or the “Legends of Country Music.” This year-round, multi-million dollar theater features five musicians and twelve singer/dancers that electrify the stage with their amazing performances. Whenever possible, dinner menus are themed to the shows with special salads, garnishes and desserts. Popular prices and high-energy performances are a hallmark, with many repeat patrons. Don't miss their traditional “Christmas in the Dells” show which features three camels, two sheep, and a donkey – all on-stage in a live nativity. 564 Wisconsin Dells Parkway South, 888/998-7469
St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre – HudsonLocated in the
Hudson House Inn, the theatre is just off I-94E in Hudson, only minutes from the Twin Cities. A smaller, more intimate theatre, the
St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre is one of the few dinner theatres in the nation providing wait staff-served dinners to all of its guests. They offer casual fine dining with a variety of entrees including penne pasta, top sirloin, chicken, pork and salmon. Their productions are a wonderful mix of comedies and musical revues performed by a talented cast of professional actors and musicians. Normally, four shows are staged each year. Show-only tickets are available. 1616 Crestview Drive, 715/386-2394