About The Mikadow
More than a century of entertainment in downtown Manitowoc.
Since 1916, the Mikadow has welcomed generations through its doors. Today, that story continues with live theatre, movies, special events and a growing community of performers, volunteers and audiences.
The story of the Mikadow reaches back to a 19th-century brewery near Cleveland, Wisconsin. After the former Centerville Brewery was demolished, bricks from the building were transported to Manitowoc and reused in the construction of a new theatre.
John Kadow began construction of the Mikadow in 1915. Designed by Milwaukee architect Stanley F. Kadow, the theatre opened its doors on March 4, 1916, with seating for 800 and a manual Moller theatre pipe organ.
But the Mikadow would become part of another chapter of Manitowoc history as well.
In 1923, John Kadow’s son Francis took over management. His interest in radio led to broadcasts from the theatre and, on November 8, 1926, WOMT went on the air from the Mikadow. Its call letters stood for “World’s Only Mikadow Theatre.”
WOMT • 1926
WORLD’S ONLY MIKADOW THEATRE
Broadcasting from inside the Mikadow Theatre beginning November 8, 1926.
In 1956, fire destroyed the theatre. Francis Kadow turned to Two Rivers architect Sylvester Schmidt to design its replacement. The rebuilt Mikadow reopened in January 1957, beginning another era for the theatre.
A MANITOWOC LANDMARK SINCE 1916
The Mikadow’s story began before its doors ever opened.
FROM MIKADOW TO LAKESHORE... AND BACK AGAIN
The building changed. The name changed. The theatre endured.
In the early 1990s, the Mikadow was sold to Freshfire Ministries and operated as a church. In 2002, Get Reel Cinemas purchased the building with plans to return it to its theatrical roots.
After extensive remodeling, Lakeshore Cinema opened in May 2002, introducing a different moviegoing experience with theatre seating and tables, a kitchen, and food served during films.
After nearly two decades as Lakeshore Cinema, operations ended following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the previous owners permanently closed the theatre in 2022.
Then, in October 2022, the building was purchased by Mikadow LLC with plans to renovate the historic theatre and, importantly, restore the name it had carried for generations:
THE MIKADOW TODAY
The history remains. The stage is very much alive.
Today, the Mikadow is once again a working theatre and entertainment venue in the heart of downtown Manitowoc, bringing together live theatre, movies, special events and unique experiences under one historic roof.
Live performance is at the heart of what we do, with locally produced plays and musicals supported by performers, directors, designers, technicians and volunteers from throughout the community.
The Mikadow also continues its long relationship with the movies, while the Annabel Lee Bar, concessions and special event offerings turn a visit into more than simply seeing a show.
BUILT BY OUR COMMUNITY
The Mikadow is more than a building.
Every production, performance and event depends on people who give their time, talent and creativity to make it happen.
Actors take the stage. Directors shape the story. Designers, technicians and builders create the world around them. Stage crews keep everything moving. Volunteers welcome audiences and help make each night possible.
Some arrive with years of experience. Others walk through our doors having never worked on a production before.
There’s a place to be part of what happens here.
OUR MISSION
Mikadow Theatre’s mission is to preserve and activate Manitowoc’s oldest active theatre by producing live performance, fostering theatre education and skill-sharing, and creating an inclusive, community-centered space for artists and audiences.
Mikadow Theatre envisions a future where live performance, education, and community connection thrive in Manitowoc, where artists are supported, creativity is accessible, and a historic theatre remains active, relevant, and alive for generations to come.
WHAT WE VALUE
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Live theatre, performance and shared experiences are at the heart of what we do.
COMMUNITY OVER PERFECTION
Collaboration, experimentation, participation and growth matter.
ACCESS & INCLUSION
A welcoming place for artists, audiences and community members of all backgrounds and experience levels.
SUSTAINABILITY & STEWARDSHIP
Responsible management of our historic theatre and the resources entrusted to us.
OUR VISION
EDUCATION & SKILL SHARING
Learning, mentorship and hands-on experience are fundamental to our work.
RESPECTFUL, HUMAN GOVERNANCE
An organization built around transparency, respect, trust and people rather than unnecessary bureaucracy.
OUR LEADERSHIP
The people helping guide the Mikadow’s next chapter.
The Mikadow Theatre is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to our mission, the long-term stewardship of the theatre and its role in the Manitowoc community.
Claran LaViolette
President
Stetz Smith
Director
Becky Webb
Vice President
Ben McCool
Director
Autumn McCool
Secretary
Kurt Duzeski
Director
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Kurt Duzeski
Executive Director
Jean Duzeski
Treasurer
Tom Duzeski
Director
Roger Bennin
Director
Brent Johnson
Director
OUR NEXT CHAPTER
Preserving the past. Building what comes next.
The Mikadow has survived more than a century of change. Today, we’re working to ensure it remains part of Manitowoc for generations to come.
The theatre is entering a new chapter with the formation of The Historic Mikadow Theatre, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving the historic theatre, supporting live performance and expanding opportunities for arts and entertainment in our community.
Our application for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is currently pending.
As we move forward, our focus remains the same: care for this remarkable building, continue improving the theatre, create memorable productions and keep the Mikadow's stage alive.
Interested in supporting the Mikadow through a donation, partnership or volunteer involvement? Explore the ways you can help.
COME EXPERIENCE THE MIKADOW
The next chapter happens with an audience.
The Mikadow has been welcoming people through its doors since 1916. More than a century later, the lights are still coming up, performers are still taking the stage, movies are still playing on the big screen, and new memories are still being made.
Now, be part of what happens next.