Brown Grand Theatre

Mission Statement:

The Brown Grand Theatre is a community-based historical theatre dedicated to enhancing cultural life in North Central Kansas.

History:

The first traveling troupes came to town on the Missouri pacific railroad in 1876 and stayed at the posh Baron's House Hotel south of the depot. These professionals, en-route from Denver, St. Louis, or Chicago performed for Concordians at LaRocque Hall built in 1877.

This multipurpose theatre and hall, a functional but unadorned and cramped facility still stands at the comer of Broadway and Sixth streets.

At the turn of the century, Concordians realized the need for a larger, safer, more modern facility to accommodate the fine traveling shows playing to burgeoning audiences. Fortunately, for the taxpayers and city officials, municipal funds would not be needed. A colorful businessman from the community by the name of Colonel Napoleon Bonaparte Brown had plans of his own.