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John and Jo Sumwalt pose in front of the fireplace at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

John Sumwalt/For Agri-View

The Fireside Dinner Theatre’s iconic “flame of friendship,” a 35-foot-tall fiery-red steel sculpture at its entrance, was dedicated in 1970 by Wis. Gov. Warren P. Knowles. It was designed by Fort Atkinson artist Robert Hase, and engineered and constructed by Ferdinand and Barry Kutz.

John Sumwalt/For Agri-View

The cast of West Side Story dances in a scene from the popular musical at Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

John Sumwalt/For Agri-View

The Fireside’s unique theatre in the round seats 650 people. The stage is 20 feet by 20 feet with a 12-foot-diameter circle; it’s on a hydraulic lift that was added about 1993.

John Sumwalt/For Agri-View

Special drinks are available for shows at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Visit www.firesidetheatre.com for more information.

John Sumwalt/For Agri-View

The Fireside Dinner Theatre is one of Wisconsin’s most-popular destinations. Tour buses come from all across the country to the Klopcic family’s 800-seat restaurant and 650-seat theater in the round.

John Sumwalt/For Agri-View

Several boutique gift shops and a bakery line the passageway that leads to the dining room at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

John Sumwalt/For Agri-View

John Sumwalt For Agri-View

I’ve been waking up with Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story tunes playing in my head. My wife, Jo, and I went with friends to see the classic musical at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

John Sumwalt new mug 2024 — John Sumwalt

John Sumwalt is a retired pastor and the son of dairy farmers. He is the author of “Shining Moments: Visions of the Holy in Ordinary Lives.” Email johnsumwalt@gmail.com or call 414-339-0676 to reach him.