ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Late in the night on Thursday, May 15, fire crews fought a blaze at the theater inside the Bonifas Arts Center. Now, the theatre group that rents the space is planning for what’s next.
“I got here about 20 minutes after crews got on scene,” said Players de Noc Technical Director Jamie Peterson. “My heart sank. My heart sank.”
In the midst of a thunderstorm, the sprinklers inside the Bonifas Theater were activated due to smoke that was filling the room. Multiple agencies quickly responded.
“They were able to gain entry and they got up into the balcony portion by the auditorium,” said Escanaba Public Safety Captain Darren Smith. “They saw visible flames. They were able to extinguish it.”
As parts of the ceiling began to fall and visibility diminished, firefighters retreated and ventilated the theater from outside.
“They were able to knock it down and get back inside to check for further extension of the fire,” Smith said. “They were able to put out the fire at that time.”
A Public Safety inspector determined that a lightning strike was the cause.
“Witnesses in the area also confirmed that there was a lightning strike,” said Smith. “They thought it was the church across the street. We did see a ground wire on the tower of the building for a lightning rod, we believe, it was that was hanging off.”
The night of the fire, Peterson was able to help firefighters navigate the scene.
“It was two worlds colliding actually,” he told WZMQ 19. “My involvement here with Players De Noc has been since I was probably 15 years old, and I’m a 22-year veteran volunteer fireman. The inside knowledge of being here for 30-plus years gave me comfort. Public Safety, Escanaba Township, Ford River Volunteer Fire Department, they worked together like a well-oiled machine. They made a bad situation not as bad as it could have been.”
The source of the fire is located in the attic. Peterson says the sprinklers and “mildly fire-retardant” insulation in the roof prevented the fire from spreading further than it did.
Still, the effects are extensive, from water damage to the front of the stage to broken seats. The entirety of the inside of the theater will need to be cleaned and remodeled.
“I would estimate Players de Noc has lost in excess of $100,000 worth of our equipment as far as sound, lighting, every single microphone we own, almost every single speaker,” said Peterson. “We’ve lost four pianos in our orchestra pit, as well as other instruments. The damage is literally from the attic to our dressing rooms in the basement.”
The group’s costumes remain intact. However, much of the rest of the magic that makes a Players show happen was destroyed.
“We’ve lost tools, our green room where we prepare for getting on stage,” Peterson said. “There is damage to our operating booths. They’ll have to be gutted and potentially rebuilt. All of our wiring infrastructure.”
Thankfully, no people were harmed in the fire, which occurred less than a week after the Players de Noc youth production of Alice in Wonderland.
“Had that fire happened any earlier, the devastation that those young people would have experienced… I don’t even want to think about it,” Peterson said.
The Players de Noc have a full fall season planned, and Peterson does not anticipate having the theater back in operating condition by the end of the year. Now, the Players are looking for another venue where local theatre arts can continue to thrive, despite the fire.
“This last season, we’ve had over 5,000 people attend shows here at the theater, not to mention hundreds of people and volunteers that are involved,” said Peterson. “If you’re interested in helping or have ideas on fundraising, reach out. We’d love for you to be a part of the Players family.”
While the Players de Noc are hopeful that renters insurance will cover the majority of the damage, donations and offers to help with cleaning are welcome. Monetary donations can be made at playersdenoc.org. To reach out to the Players de Noc by email, scroll to the bottom of the website’s home page.
Follow the Players de Noc Facebook page for updates on future performances and theater repairs.
