Everything you need to know about Morris 100 Fest and the theater's history
When he was the executive director of the Morris Performing Arts Center, Dennis Andres frequently said, “The Morris is a grand old lady, and she loves to throw a great party.”
Get ready for one heck of a party, South Bend.
Venues, Parks & Arts has two days of fun, music and food planned for Friday and Saturday to celebrate the Morris’ 100th anniversary this year.
In the stories below, The Tribune provides what you need to know about the Morris 100 Fest, an update on the almost-complete first phase of the multi-faceted Morris 100 Campaign, readers' memories, two photo galleries, a little bit of history and videos.
All of this was made possible by our reporters and staff who spent the past month digging through archived photos and news articles. They also spent a significant amount of time interviewing people who frequented the venue in the past. In addition, they talked to the people who are currently running the Morris and overseeing the renovations, and shot photos and videos.
We hope you enjoy it — and the party.
— Andrew S. Hughes, Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Morris Performing Arts Center today and in the future
Morris 100 Campaign's major renovations revamp theater to 'feel like the day it opened'
A new color palate comes to the Morris in its seats, drapes and carpets, along with hidden upgrades. And an expansion is yet to come with fundraising. Read more 68216464007
What to know about Morris 100 Fest
Celebrate 100 years of the Morris with two days of music, art and entertainment Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1. Read more 69491545007
Coming home: The Bergamot opens for Barenaked Ladies at Morris 100 Fest
Originally from South Bend, The Bergamot returns to release "Far Out" and open for Barenaked Ladies during Morris 100 Fest. Read more 67994452007
Reflections on special moments at the Morris
Readers share their favorite 'Morris Memories' — onstage, backstage and in the audience
The Tribune asked readers to submit their favorite memories from times spent at the Morris. They came through with memories, photos and a 78 rpm album. Read more 69490851007
'Morris Memory' leads to more memories about a special Temptations night
When Morris Performing Arts Center employee Denise Zigler asked Pemberton Lincoln to sing with The Temptations, she couldn't anticipate his reaction. Read more 69495775007
Q&A: Dennis Andres led the Morris from 2000 to 2016
Dennis Andres became the Morris Performing Arts Center's executive director in 2000, in time for the theater to reopen after its last renovation. Read more 69497933007
Tsung Yeh looks back at 28 years on the Morris' stage
Tsung Yeh, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra's music director from 1988 to 2016, picks his three favorite nights on the Morris' stage. Read more 69491164007
From 1922 to 2022 at the Morris
What you didn't know about theater-loving woman who saved the Morris
Ella Morris loved the theater and had a personality to match it. So she saved the Morris — and left her name on other South Bend institutions. Read more 69493325007
Through the years: From the Palace to the Morris Performing Arts Center
From construction to the 2022 renovation, see the Morris in this Tribune photo gallery. Read more 10425319002
100-year timeline of Morris Performing Arts Center's history
A century of history at Morris dates back to Palace Theater, 'Knute Rockne' film debut and the theater's salvation by Ella Morris. Read more 68172700007
Past performances: Onstage at the Morris
Take a look at some of the performers — from legends to local performers — who have performed at the Morris Performing Arts Center in recent decades. Read more 8067881001
'The Neverending Encore' begins
'Bigger shows and better shows.' South Bend launches project to renovate the Morris
From January 2021: The city’s Venues Parks & Arts department took its first public step this week toward a multi-year fundraising campaign and renovation project for the Morris Performing Arts Center, which turns 100 in 2022. Read more
A parking garage and new seats planned for Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend
April 2021: New seats with cup holders, a new parking structure and an endowment to foster greater diversity and equity in the arts in South Bend. Read more
Morris Performing Arts Center receives $1 million donation as 100th anniversary approaches
With this donation, the Morris 100 Campaign has raised almost $20 million of its $30 million goal. Construction begins June 27. Read more
The 1998-2000 renovation
The Tribune is republishing these stories from 1995-2000 regarding the 1998-2000 renovation as part of its coverage of the Morris Performing Arts Center's 100th anniversary.
State to provide funds for Morris Civic project
From Oct. 21, 1995: State officials pledged $350,000 from Indiana's Build Indiana Fund for the Morris Civic Auditorium and Palais Ballroom renovation project. Read more 69516612007
Restoring the Morris: Renovation project pieces together the past
From May 13, 1998: Architect Edward Francis discusses the research that went into the 1998-2000 renovation of the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend. Read more 69516869007
An Intermission, An Opportunity: While the Morris gets a makeover, the keyword is patience
From Oct. 4, 1998: When the wrecking ball demolished the Morris Civic Auditorium's stage house in July 1998, it left the community without its main performing arts venue. Read more 69516670007
Morris back on track after hitting a snag
From Sept. 25, 1999: After a month-long delay, work resumes on the Morris Performing Arts Center's renovation in September 1999. But the reopening will now be delayed. Read more 69516961007
Another Morris delay: Restoration also needs more money
From Sept. 29, 1999: By September 1999, the Morris Performing Arts Center's restoration had hit two significant snags: a construction delay and the need for more money. Read more 69516938007
A gala to build a dream on: Donors, city celebrate the opening of the Morris Behind the Magic
From March 12, 2000: A gala party, with a performance of the musical "Chicago," saw the ribbon-cutting of the renovated Morris Performing Arts Center in March 2000. Read more 69516825007
Local performers to share Morris spotlight
From March 19, 2000: The Community Grand Opening show took place March 19, 2000, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend. Read more 69516800007
Vereen, community toast Morris
From March 20, 2000: Ben Vereen headlined the Morris Performing Arts Center's Community Grand Opening in March 2000. Read more 69516747007
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Morris 100 Fest: Full guide to celebrating South Bend's Morris Theater
