MOUNT CARROLL, IL — Four months after a foreclosure notice in the local paper raised the question of whether Timber Lake Playhouse would survive its 65th season, the theatre’s Board of Directors announced its 2027 season, the return of a familiar artistic leader, and a financial turnaround that has moved the organization from nearly $800,000 in debt to a position of stability for the first time in years.
The Playhouse will open its 66th season on May 28th with six mainstage productions running through Aug. 15. Leading the company will be James Beaudry, who served as TLP’s Artistic Director for eight seasons and returns after nine years away. Beaudry, now on the faculty of the University at Buffalo’s Department of Theatre and Dance, first joined the TLP resident company in 2001 as a performer and choreographer and has taken part in more than 120 productions on the Timber Lake stage, including Footloose, Chicago, Titanic, Sunset Boulevard, and most recently, Rock of Ages. He will keep his university post during the academic year and spend summers in Mount Carroll.
“The people of Mount Carroll first welcomed me to Timber Lake Playhouse 25 years ago, and the company became my artistic home for 16 years. The world of 2026 looks nothing like 2001, but every single person who showed up for TLP this year has proven that the magical and indestructible spirit of creativity and community I felt all those years ago is still alive and well,” Beaudry said.
“To return as artistic director at this moment means delivering for the community who stepped up and said that this company matters to us. I’m honored to continue the legacy of Timber Lake Playhouse in its mission to welcome a new generation of early-career performers to our stage while entertaining and inspiring the communities of Northwest Illinois, Southwest Wisconsin, and Eastern Iowa by sharing live theatre at the highest quality.”
How the community answered
When the foreclosure filing became public July 2, TLP owed roughly $580,000 to its primary lender, carried about $100,000 in past-due vendor accounts and $35,000 in credit card debt, and held a $75,000 private loan. The Board set a goal of raising $1.1 million, settling the foreclosure, bringing vendors current and opening 2027 without new borrowing.
The response was immediate. Patron giving more than doubled within days. Cabaret closed to sold-out houses and Shrek the Musical opened to near-capacity crowds. The 65th Anniversary Gala on Aug. 1 brought in more than $120,000, the first six-figure Gala in TLP history. A fall mail appeal added more than $50,000.
The decisive support came from three area foundations, each of which asked not to be named. Together they committed more than $900,000, including a pair of matching challenges that doubled one another within weeks. The lender of the $75,000 private loan forgave it in full.
Local vendors and institutions did their part as well. Nearly every vendor that TLP owed money to agreed to participate in the restructuring, and Farmers National Bank of Mount Carroll stepped in mid-negotiation to extend a $200,000 mortgage on short notice, allowing TLP to settle with its prior lender before the scheduled court date. The foreclosure was settled July 29 and the case dismissed.
”When we reached the fundraising goal, our community did not just save a theatre. It told us exactly what it expects of TLP going forward: live within our means, tell the truth about our finances, and continue to produce excellent live theatre.” said Board President Adam Nemon.
Where things stand
TLP will end 2026 with all accounts current, its credit card paid off, and, upon the sale of the adjacent single-family home, completely debt free. Most importantly, for the first time since before the pandemic, the theatre will open a season without having spent the prior year’s advance ticket revenue to get through the winter.
The Board paired the fundraising with structural change. Overhead has been reduced through difficult cuts on both the production and administrative sides, while protecting the production values audiences expect. Casting will emphasize performers from universities across the region. And the organization is refocusing on what it has done best since 1961: professional summer stock. The fall production, holiday show, concert series and new works commission are not planned for 2027.
Patrons will also see new ticket prices and sponsorship levels when sales open. “Raising prices was not a decision we made lightly. Relying on donations to fund operations put us in the situation we just dug ourselves out of. Ticket revenue has to carry the season, and gifts will build the future of Your Theatre in the Woods,” Nemon said.
The 2027 season
- My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, May 28 to June 6
- Dear Evan Hansen, June 11 to 20
- Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, June 25 to July 4
- You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, July 9 to 18
- Camelot, July 23 to Aug. 1
- Misery, Aug. 6 to 15
Season brochures will mail in early December. Tickets and season passes go on sale Monday, November 9, 2026 at timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at (815) 244-2035.
Timber Lake Playhouse is Illinois’ oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre, located at 8215 Black Oak Rd., Mount Carroll
2 Responses
Irresponsible and dubious leadership of DD nearly put TLP under. Shame on him. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to right his wrongs. Thank the GODS Beaudry is BACK!!
Hell Yes !