The Capitol Civic Center is a classic, small-city theater that was built in 1920 and opened in…read more1921, primarily as a Vaudeville house. As the years went on, the Capitol operated pretty much a movie theater. As the days of single screen, urban theaters slowly came to an end, the Capitol faced a crossroads that many such buildings have faced through the years. No one shows film anymore because "movies" are all digitally distributed and projected. Digital projection systems are frightfully expensive. Unable to justify the conversion expense, many beautiful theaters have simply closed up to an uncertain future. (Think, "Wrecking ball.")
The Capitol, however, had a more positive outcome. In the 1980s, civic leaders lovingly restored the old theater as a modern live theater venue. Renamed the Capitol Civic Center, the grand dame has been modernized but at the same time, has retained her classic appearance and architectural details. Oh, there's some small irritations, like long lines at the rest rooms during intermission and you have to watch your step going to your seat. (Each row is flat with small step up from the aisle.) Still, the acoustics are good and there's not really a bad seat in the house.
I saw movies at the old Capitol Theater with my cousins when I was a kid, so my first experience at the Capitol Civic Center was on September 29 to see "Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx." It was a marvellous show! Dennis DeYoung is 70 years old but sure doesn't act like it. He is supported by a group of incredible musicians and he puts on a great show with all his familiar hit songs. Domo arigato, Mr. Kilroy!
By the way, this was not the first time DeYoung performed here. He lives in Chicago and is a life-long Chicago Bears fan. The night before the concert, his beloved Bears were humiliated by the archrival Green Bay Packers. With Manitowoc being only a few miles from Green Bay, well, you can imagine the football schtick that he did for us. There is no doubt, he knows how to work the room and play to the crowd, providing great laughs and applause.
Dennis DeYoung made it obvious that he likes Manitowoc and the Capitol Civic Center. I do, too.