John Miller
Technical Director
Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes highlights the backstage activity and the people who play a vital role in every performance at the Reif Center. From technical preparation to set construction, each production relies on the work happening behind the curtain.
The Reif: 45 Years of Community Support! – September 2025
In nearly 30 years of working at the Reif Center I’ve witnessed the extraordinary support the Grand Rapids community has for the arts and culture in northern Minnesota. Here are…
Hairball: By the Numbers! – June 2025
No, it’s not the next winning Powerball numbers, but if they are, I want a cut! It’s Hairball by the numbers! ㉕ We got lucky! Hairball was originally scheduled for…
Spring Dance – Hansel and Gretel: A Grimm Tale! – May 2025
It’s not often that a Wikipedia entry offers these related subjects to explore, “Gingerbread House” and “Child Cannibalism.” But, when the Reif Dance Spring Production is Hansel and Gretel: A…
First Impressions – April 2025
A warm welcome at the door, a friendly smile at the Lakewood Café, and a pleasant usher to help you find your seat; priceless amenities when you visit the Reif…
Newsies: Flop to Hit – March 2025
Sometimes it’s all about timing. In 2002, the movie musical Chicago was released, winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture. The success of Chicago paved the way for a new generation of successful live-action…
It’s been said that “Everyone knows how to do two jobs, their own and sound.” OK, it was me, I said that! But it’s true! I’ve never had anyone come…
Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story – January 2025
Did I tell you what happened at the play? We were at the back of the theater, standing there in the dark, all of a sudden I feel one of…
The Nutcracker – Nathan Mariano Update – December, 2024
“Amateurish”, “lopsided”, “ponderous” and “insipid” are just a few critiques that the Saint Petersburg premier of The Nutcracker ballet received on December 18th, 1892. What went wrong, and how did…
Disney’s Frozen Jr. – Let It Go – November, 2024
Let it go, let it go And I’ll rise like the break of dawn Let it go, let it go That perfect girl is gone Here I stand in the…