HISTORY
The Twisp livery stable, far left, pre-dates the Twisp Mercantile building that now houses The Merc Playhouse. At far right is a theater that was consumed in the destructive 1924 Twisp fire — which spared the livery stable. Historic photo courtesy of the Shafer Museum
The Merc Playhouse has come a long way since 1924. For generations the Twisp Mercantile provided provisions for home and farm in the Methow Valley. Then the building sat idle for many years. But thanks to the foresight of a group of founding directors, the Merc opened its first season of professional theater in the Summer of 1999. Since then it has become a community treasure, providing space not only for theater productions, but also music, lectures, and other performances.
Air conditioned in summer and cozy warm in winter, the Merc seats 140. Appreciated for its marvelous acoustics and intimacy, the Merc is a popular venue for a broad spectrum of theatrical and musical performers.
The Methow Valley has justifiably earned its reputation as a vital cultural center in the Northwest with its music festivals and concerts, art galleries, local crafts and fine dining.
Tucked in the east slope of the North Cascades, the Methow Valley spans roughly sixty miles, from Mazama to Pateros, of stunning natural beauty – serving as the eastern gateway to the North Cascades National Park. The Merc Playhouse serves the Methow Valley, including the towns of Twisp, Winthrop, and the entire Okanogan Country.
Air conditioned in summer and cozy warm in winter, the Merc seats 140. Appreciated for its marvelous acoustics and intimacy, the Merc is a popular venue for a broad spectrum of theatrical and musical performers.
The Methow Valley has justifiably earned its reputation as a vital cultural center in the Northwest with its music festivals and concerts, art galleries, local crafts and fine dining.
Tucked in the east slope of the North Cascades, the Methow Valley spans roughly sixty miles, from Mazama to Pateros, of stunning natural beauty – serving as the eastern gateway to the North Cascades National Park. The Merc Playhouse serves the Methow Valley, including the towns of Twisp, Winthrop, and the entire Okanogan Country.
The Twisp Mercantile Building is now home to The Merc Playhouse. The balcony at the rear is still part of the building’s structure. In the entry and the lobby, the original wood floor can be seen.
Historic photo courtesy of the Shafer Museum
Historic photo courtesy of the Shafer Museum
