Mel’s Dinner Theater

Ten years ago a couple of guys began something that many thought would never fly. You see the reason for this doubt is based on the two businesses that are the most difficult to sustain: live theater and restaurants. These guys combined them by beginning a dinner theater. Nuts, huh?

 

I wrote about this theater in chapter eight of my book, The Brander-In-Chief. However, what I didn’t tell you is that Mel is really created out from my own experience. Mel is really Frank from Frank’s Dinner Theater which is now Let Me Be Frank Productions.

 

Frank has proven that passion and vision can persevere. His theater is for profit, all the talent is paid and it is Frank’s career. What I also didn’t tell you is I was that other guy who, ten years ago, said, “Yeah, what the heck, let’s do it.” Yes, even when combining the two worst industries (percentage of success wise) together, success can still be found.

 

Today, Let Me Be Frank Productions is a staple at the historical Meyer Theater in downtown Green Bay. We began in an upstairs banquet room of a corner bar. I had to drop out once I started this business and my young family. People would refer to our group as “The Saturday Night Live” of theater. Even guys like to see these shows. It’s that brand that has built Frank’s into what it is today.

 

I’m proud to say I had a role in getting Frank’s started, but I know it would happen anyway based on Frank’s drive and creativity. I’m also proud to announce that I will be in their 10^th anniversary show, The Groovy 70’s; the original show title that Frank and I wrote. Of course this show is a show about how we wrote the first show. Did you follow that?

 

If you like to laugh, love 70’s music, and want to see me in a leisure suit, you’ll love The Groovy 70’s! It opens this weekend and continues through the first three weekends in June. The moral of the story here is to follow your passion and the money will follow. Most people chase the money. Don’t be a chaser, be authentic and do what you were destined to do!

 

Joe Kiedinger

 

ACTION PLAN: Come join us and have some fun!