JULY 2025 PART VI

MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE

Est. 1944

Beginning in 1944 as a traveling troupe called the Marathon Little Theatre, our organization held its early productions at restaurants, hotels, City Hall and even the local High School. For just over 50-years, tents and travel trailers assembled in parking lots acted as the Backstage where actors donned their costumes and got into their make-up. In 1995, the MCT Board of Directors, our General Membership and the local community came together to raise the funds needed to purchase our current venue.

October, 2025 marks our 30 year celebration of calling 5101 Overseas Hwy our home. Built in 1959, this building has hosted hundreds of performances and showcased incredible talent. Over the years, it has weathered hurricanes and the effects of aging. This past year, our beloved venue underwent a much-needed spalling repair and an electrical upgrade, ensuring it remains a beacon for the arts for years to come. Over the next 12 months, we’ll honor our past while sharing ways you can help us build an even brighter future.

BIG NEWS

New Roof Project ALMOST COMPLETE After 66 Years!

We’re excited to announce that after 66 years, work is ALMOST COMPLETE on our NEW roof! This is a major milestone, and we’re deeply grateful for the support that has brought us this far. While we haven’t yet reached our fundraising goal of $250,000, we incurred additional costs due to the extensive damage to our roof, making our new goal $300,000.

We’ve raised an incredible $143,200 thanks to your generosity. We still need your help to cover the remaining costs—every donation makes a difference. Let’s finish this together!

WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT MCT..........

20 YEARS AGO 2005-2006 SEASON

THE FANTASTICKSA

Directed by: Sunny Booker

HORRORBLY FUNNY COMEDY

Directed by: Jorg Gobel-Staib

CHICAGO

Directed by: Rita Irwin

SOCIAL SECURITY

Directed by: Marilyn Tempest

CAST OF CHICAGO 2005-2006

10 YEARS AGO 2015-2016 SEASON

TAKING MY TURN

Directed by: Devin Clarke & Jenn Mixon-Eick

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

Directed by: Jackie O'Neil

SONIA AND VANYA AND MASHA AND SPIKE

Directed by: Devin Clarke

FOREVER PLAID

Directed by: Fred Hundhammer

HURRICANE IRMA

SEPTEMBER 2017

Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys on Sept. 10, 2017, as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 132 mph and storm surge up to 8 feet.

Our theatre was greatly impacted, but with the help of volunteers and generous fundraising we were able to open our doors, but NOT replace our roof.

Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema has been a cornerstone of creativity, culture, and connection for our community for decades. As we look ahead to 2025, we are launching our Remembering the Past, Rebuilding the Future campaign to ensure that this beloved space continues to inspire for generations to come. To achieve this, we need your support.

Our campaign focuses on addressing critical infrastructure needs—most urgently, replacing our aging roof and undertaking essential building repairs and upgrades. These improvements are vital to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for our community to gather, perform, and create.

Here’s how your gift will make a difference:

·       PHASE I  New Roof: Built in 1959, our building is in desperate need of a roof replacement. GOAL $250,000 $300,000

·       PHASE II  Building Repairs and Upgrades: Creating a more accessible, comfortable, and functional space for performances, film screenings, and community events. GOAL $250,000

With your help, we can preserve the legacy of Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema while laying the foundation for an even brighter future.

Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today. You can donate online, mail a check, or in person at our box office.

Together, let’s remember the past, rebuild the future, and ensure that Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema continues to be a vibrant hub for our community.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in the power of the arts.



PHASE I

ROOF REPLACEMENT

Help Us Reach of Goal!

$143,200 RAISED SINCE JANUARY 1, 2025

Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema is synonymous with the heart of cultural arts in Marathon with the goal of continuing to build community through art. We are the ONLY Community Theatre located in Monroe County and house the ONLY Theatre and Cinema within a 50-mile radius.

Our building was constructed in 1959, and it needs critical repairs.

With the 30-year anniversary of MCT purchasing the building quickly approaching, we are asking for your help to continue enriching the culture arts of our community for generations to come. Our aim is to produce engaging, inspiring, high quality theatrical productions that entertain our diverse community of local citizens, seasonal residents and large tourist population; train and support the next generation of theatre artists; provide arts education programs that promote life-long learning to our local community; and celebrate the essential power of the arts to illuminate our common humanity.

Marathon Community Theatre is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that is operated by a fully volunteer Board of Directors with a small paid staff