Submitted by: Mount Baker Theatre
Though “there’s a whole wide world in here” when it comes to this season’s offerings at the Mount Baker Theatre, the beverages that can be found at concessions are most certainly local.
“The house management staff work to continually taste, sample and consider potential products,” said Caleb Klein, the Mount Baker Theatre House Manager. Patrons at the Mount Baker Theatre can enjoy Tony’s Coffee, hard cider from Honeymoon Mead & Cider, and rotating draft beer selections from Boundary Bay Brewery, Aslan Brewing, Kulshan Brewing, Wander Brewing and Chuckanut Brewery; all Bellingham institutions. Selections can also be found from Bellewood Acres in Lynden, Valley Shine Distillery in Mount Vernon, and Ghost Owl Distillery in Sumner.
“We work directly with the local breweries to provide their product to our patrons, but also rely heavily on the support of our distributors, primarily Walton Beverage, to make other local products available,” Klein said. “Besides those, we also work with Walton Beverage to bring in a Washington wine as our premier wine, available at the bar in the Member’s pre-show reception. Our current premier wine selections come from Jones of Washington.”
When asked how beverages are chosen for the Mount Baker Theatre’s patrons, Klein answered, “Through our distributors we looked for local businesses which offered substitutions for existing offerings, such as the hard cider from Honeymoon, and the hard liquors from Bellewood, Valley Shine, and Ghost Owl. We also build upon the existing relationships with local breweries to expand our draft beer offerings, especially when there is a new local offering which could take the place of something already offered. Above all, we work to make sure that we are offering quality products at a reasonable price.”
With all the choices that can be purchased before curtain and during intermission, the Mount Baker Theatre recently started selling 9 ounce and 14 ounce concert cups at concessions. This allows patrons to enjoy their beverages in spill-proof, reusable cups while watching the performance. This way, the beautiful historic building is preserved and patrons don’t have to hurriedly chug their wine at intermission.
Visitors will have ample opportunities to taste some local beverages while enjoying wonderful entertainment in the upcoming months. Performances range from festive December shows the Irish Tenors and Mamma Mia!, to a January that sees the amazing Time Jumpers (featuring Vince Gill), Fame the Musical, and stunning guitar stylings from Jesse Cook. Then there’s the chance to time travel to the silent film era with the acclaimed film version of Hamlet set to a live score from the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. In addition, the theater will host many local productions including the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra and a wealth of local dance student artists putting on holiday productions.
Enjoy live, local entertainment (and beverages) at your historic hub for live performing arts, Mount Baker Theatre.
