after ownership of the building was turned over to the city, the menominee opera house served as a local community auditorium (a.k.a. civic auditorium) from 1929 until around 1945. at which time, it was opened once again as a movie house under the name of the menominee theater. in addition to movies, the re-opened entertainment venue still managed to bring in a few live acts as well, including performances by big band leader tiny hill.