Spotlight on: Variety

Throughout its 25-year history, the Merc has showcased a wide variety of the performing arts in addition to theatrical productions. Early in its history, the Merc served as venue for a movie series. We've hosted several popular “Open Merc” events (our version of an open mic event) where local people could perform music, or a skit, or routine.

Dance revues have been popular events through the years, running the gamut from broadway-style shows to a mask-a-rave dance event on New Year’s Eve 2009 for locals, to the performance of a professional ballet troupe from Tacoma in the fall of 2015. The Merc stage has seen it all.

We’ve hosted lectures, panel discussions, talk backs following important performances and served as the venue for our local Poetry Out Loud since 2012. Two Poet Laureates of the State of Washington have traveled to Twisp and performed at the Merc.
Visiting professional acting troupes have included both Oregon and Seattle Shakespeareans, as well as Seattle University student actors.

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Horse Crazy Cowgirl band performed their farewell concert at The Merc on March 18, 2017. Photo courtesy of the Methow Valley News archives.

​Professional musicians and actors of every variety have chosen the Merc stage to amplify their talents. Loyal crowds enthusiastically supported a series of jazz concerts. Our sister arts organization Cascadia presented “Bel Canto” at the Merc, an evening of Italian Opera through the ages.

Two rather unusual performances deserve special notice. In June of 2003, a high energy juggling duo from Olympia “Brothers From A Different Mother” brought their comedy, improv, mime, dance and juggling act to the Merc stage for a family friendly show.
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Puppeteer Joseph Cashore graced The Merc's stage in 2008. Photo courtesy of the Methow Valley News archives

In early 2008 the Methow Arts Alliance brought the expert puppetry of Joseph Cashore to the Merc. Cashore had spent years perfecting the realistic movements of his marionettes and had received numerous awards for his abilities.

The Merc – a beloved space, well-used.
 
Cheers to 25 years,
Jane Hill

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