Kristin Underhill began her position in June as the new managing director of the restored 1927 historic theater in downtown Crystal Falls.

Underhill hit the ground running her first day with a Missoula Children’s Theater workshop and performance of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” on June 10-11.

“It was so much fun — I loved it,” she said.

After accepting the job, she stayed in regular contact with former manager Angie Dohl, who stepped aside to focus on her own business.

Kristin Underhill

“We had many Zoom calls in the months prior,” said Underhill, noting they were focused on this year’s lineup, including securing Gem of a Season acts.

The eight-event season has featured some new performances along with the return of favorites such as the Blooze Brothers. Just past its half-way point, the Gem of a Season still has three upcoming performances — Cold Tone Harvest, Kelly Jackson and Luminae Trio.

Several other special events are slated including country legend Crystal Gayle on Aug. 20 and The Insiders — Tom Petty Tribute on Aug. 12.

“It’s exciting to get a national artists like Crystal Gayle,” she said. “I’m also looking forward to the Tom Petty Tribute — I saw them downstate — they are really good.”

Underhill feels fortunate to have worked hand and hand with Dohl, calling her a great mentor.

“Next year — 2023 Gem of a Season — is going to be my baby,” she said. “Having this experience, along with my background, I feel confident moving forward.”

In the performing arts, Underhill says you need to find a balance — what will appeal to a wide audience.

“Figuring that out is important,” she said. “I will learn and grow from this year.”

Underhill would love to bring back live theater to the Crystal Theatre stage. She has experience in an array of behind-the-scene roles in theater, from costumes and scene work to stage management.

“I have done everything but act,” she said.

But many things will need to be addressed before that can happen, she said. “The big question is, will it go over with the audience? I would like to think it will.”

As of now, she is focused on this year’s program.

“I am finally finding my rhythm and I am absolutely loving it — no regrets at all,” Underhill said.

Landing the position was an accident, as she didn’t go looking for it — the job found her, she said. As a veteran of Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, the 1991 Norway High School graduate had connected with Ruth Warmanen, a member of the theatre’s board at a reunion. She had told her of Dohl’s intent and asked if she would be interested in the position.

Underhill discussed the possibility of taking on the new adventure with her daughter, Jade, who will attend the University of Michigan this fall. “She was very encouraging and felt now is the perfect time,” she said. Moving back to the area also came with a bonus — her mother, Vicki Underhill, still lives in Norway, so Kristin has a friend base from growing up in the area as well as working several summers on the staff of Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp.

She spent the past 20 years at Hope College as an office manager for the Department of Art and Art History. She is a 1995 graduate of the liberal arts college, earning a bachelor of arts in art history and technical theater.

“Being brought up in a small town, I realized living in Holland I’m not a big-city person,” she explained. “I like walking down the street and seeing people you know.”

Underhill feels fortunate to be able to use her theatre degree, as many liberal art students never get the chance. “I loved it at Hope College, but these opportunities don’t come along too often,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been ready for this my whole life.”

Although she’s only been a Crystal Falls resident a couple months — and still living out of boxes — she is settling in.

“It’s a fun community,” Underhill said. “Crystal Falls is growing — there’s lots to discover here.”

She was pleased to see how well the local area has weathered the pandemic. “I was worried taking a job in live theatre post-pandemic, but everything is coming back even stronger,” she noted.

Underhill encourages everyone to check out the Crystal Theatre. “It’s unlike anything else,” she adds. “Everyone needs to experience live theater at least once and, if you have, come back and enjoy it.”

Underhill is a strong believer that local support is essential to have local arts. Community members and businesses have always been strong backers of the Crystal Theatre, she noted.

“I love my patrons that come to the shows and my team of volunteers are wonderful,” she said. “Coming back to the area has been great for the soul.”

For more information, a complete listing of upcoming Crystal Theatre events or to purchase tickets, go to https://thecrystaltheatre.org or email info@crystaltheater.org.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountiandailynews.com.