| In 2002 real estate
developers Tom and Julie Kane saw a need for a cultural center and
performing arts space in Dubuque’s growing West End. Soon after, they
undertook the renovation of what was once a theater underneath the chapel
built by the Sisters of the House of the Good Shepard on the corner of
Asbury and Chaney Roads. The Bell Tower Theater is today located in
Fountain Park below the elegant Rafters Restaurant.
In June of 2003 they invited teacher and director
Sue Riedel to help them establish Dubuque’s only dinner theater and
community performance venue, Bell Tower Productions. The Kanes’
expertise in real estate development paired with Ms. Riedel’s more than
30 years of experience in directing, teaching and arts administration
combined to launch the much needed arts center.
In less than three years Bell Tower Productions has
grown into one of the cities most respected producers of live performing
arts and a destination for residents and tourists alike. Since our
inception more than 50,000 people have attended plays, musicals, classes
and special events at the Bell Tower, including sold-out runs of The
Sound of Music; Christmas, My Way; and Nunsensations! |
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