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Muskegon - The Lumber Queen is a rollicking five-act melodrama set in 1880s Muskegon, blending romance, humor, and adventure.The story brings to life the rich origins of Muskegon during the 1880s lumber boom. It’s a multigenerational tale of ambition, love, and resilience — a powerful tribute to the pioneers who turned forests into a thriving city and made Muskegon the most successful lumber town in America.
The play will be held at The Stage at the Corner, at 280 W. Muskegon Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440.
Performance dates are:
Friday, October 3, 2025 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 3:00pm
Tickets are $10 each and available by clicking on this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/muskegon-lumber-queen-the-musical
The play follows young logging foreman Fred Hansen, who hopes to win the heart of Annie Sorensen, daughter of sawmill owner Arnie Sorensen. Trouble brews when the conniving Harry Dawson conspires with notorious log pirate Gilmer to steal Sorensen’s vital shipment of pine logs, a move that would bankrupt him and force Annie into an unwanted marriage.
With the help of quick-thinking errand boy Little Johnny, Fred uncovers the plot, alerts the police, and joins in a rousing offstage battle that saves the logs and the mill. The show is punctuated by lively musical numbers—from rousing logging songs, to barroom Can-Can dances, comedic quartets, villain songs and tender ballads creating a vaudeville-like flow that keeps the pace brisk and the audience entertained.
As a classic melodrama, the show invites spirited audience participation. Viewers can cheer for the wholesome hero, sigh for the virtuous heroine, and boo the dastardly villain as he schemes and blusters his way toward defeat. Comedic exchanges, exaggerated villainy, and side characters with colorful personalities—like the opinionated cook, gossipy townsfolk, and flirtatious saloon girls—offer moments for laughter and call-and-response reactions.
Originally produced in 1975, the 2025 revival is directed by Mike Vogas—returning nearly 50 years after directing the original production.
“Fifty years ago, I asked two friends, to help me create a family friendly musical play about my new home…Muskegon, Michigan, said Mike Vogas, Play Director. “Having created Muskegon Children’s Theater, an improvisational effort for seven years, the idea of Muskegon Lumber Queen grew from that effort and celebrated the communities rich logging history.”
The show, with script, music and supporting materials has been gifted to the Lakeshore Museum Center where schools and other community organizations can request the materials to produce their own productions for fundraising or historical celebration without cost.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
280 W Muskegon Ave, Muskegon, MI United States, Michigan 49441, United States
Tickets
