Curtains up
Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse retakes Center Street stage
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After years of figuring out financing and logistics, the reopening of the Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse is right around the corner.
Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center (MACC) Chief Operating Officer Deb Borton said they are thrilled and deeply grateful to see the Martha-Ellen Tye (MET) Playhouse come back to life.
"After six long years of rebuilding since the derecho, this reopening represents patience, generosity, resilience and a tremendous amount of work by people across Marshalltown," she said. "For our staff, it is especially meaningful to open the doors and welcome the community back. This is not simply a building reopening -- it is the return of a community space. Our house is truly your house."
The playhouse has not been in operation since the August 2020 derecho, which severely damaged the MACC facility, both externally and internally. Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation Executive Director Heidi Dalal said the closure was felt all over Marshalltown.
"For generations, the playhouse has been an important venue for local theater," she said. "Many residents expressed disappointment at losing access to such a cherished cultural asset."
After assessing the damage, the MACC and MET Playhouse renovation project evolved into a comprehensive restoration and modernization effort rather than just a simple repair project with a Destination Iowa grant opportunity.
The reason the reopening has taken so long is due to several factors, she added.
"[There was] project planning, fundraising, insurance considerations, design work, contractor availability, supply chain disruptions following the pandemic and the decision to incorporate major accessibility and facility improvements," Dalal said. "The result is a facility that not only repairs storm damage but is significantly improved and positioned to serve the community for decades to come."
The MET Playhouse restoration included substantial improvements focused on accessibility, comfort, safety and functionality. In February 2025, Dalal joined the playhouse construction committee and served as the primary contact during the construction process.
"The foundation’s involvement has focused on supporting restoration efforts, coordinating stakeholders and helping ensure the project remained connected to Martha-Ellen’s legacy and vision for the facility," she said.
According to Dalal, key playhouse updates include:
A new exterior ADA-accessible ramp;
Installation of an interior accessibility lift;
Updated ADA-compliant restrooms;
Improvements to the foyer HVAC system;
New carpeting throughout portions of the facility;
Updated audience seating;
Technology upgrades, including the production booth;
New windows and exterior improvements;
Enhanced exterior signage.
"These improvements ensure the playhouse is more accessible, welcoming and functional for performers, patrons and community organizations," she said.
In a joint celebration, the reopening and the 50th anniversary of the MET Foundation will be held on Oct. 30 and Marshalltown residents will have the first opportunity to view the renovation and updates. Borton believes the community will be excited and have feelings of nostalgia and pride.
"Many residents have missed having this central stage for performances and recitals," she said. "Bringing back the 1969 inaugural play creates a meaningful full-circle moment, while the restored facility opens a bright new chapter."
The foundation has sponsored the Marshalltown Community Theater (MCT) to return to the stage with a special performance of "You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Running," the very first production ever performed in the playhouse. According to Borton, the MCT cast and crew have been putting incredible energy into making it a special night for Marshalltown.
"Most of all, we hope every resident feels welcomed and sees the playhouse as a space that belongs to the whole community," she said.
Borton said people can get tickets for the special one-time return performance beginning Thursday at the MACC, Lowe's Flower Shop or Fizz & Fiction. The tickets, which were purchased by the MET Foundation, will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis as space is limited.
Dalal added that community members are looking forward to the reopening of a dedicated performance space and are eager to see productions return to the stage.
"The reopening represents not only the restoration of a building, but also the revival of an important part of Marshalltown’s cultural identity," she said.
Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.