Michigan Theatre Lawsuit Settled

(May 13, 2026 11:35 AM ET) Curtis, Curtis & Brelinski, P.C., attorneys for the 56 plaintiff members of The Michigan Theatre of Jackson lawsuit, announced today the successful resolution of the recent lawsuit regarding the Theatre’s leadership and governance.  In a press release, the firm said the settlement marks a new, unified chapter for the historic downtown landmark, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the members of the Theatre and the Jackson community.

According to the release, the settlement terms include the following changes, which have been implemented:

• The resignations of board members Nancy Whitmore and Kathryn Snyder have been accepted by the Board of Directors.
  
• To guide the Theatre through the transition, the Board has filled all positions to include 15 directors to allow for a wide range of input and direction from the community. This includes the appointment of eight business, nonprofit, and community leaders: Rebecca Armstrong, John Butterfield, Richard Collins, Philip J. Curtis, Ronald Ellison, Martha Fuerstenau, John Macchia Jr., and Hattie Oliver.
  
• Within 90 days, the interim Board will call a Special Meeting of the Theatre’s members. At this meeting, all Theatre members will have the opportunity to exercise their right to elect 11 new directors to full three-year terms, ensuring the Theatre’s future is in the hands of its membership.

With the litigation resolved, Curtis, Curtis & Brelinski stated the interim Board of Directors will immediately focus on restoring community trust, donor confidence, staffing and programs, and preparing for the upcoming Special Meeting of the members.

The ongoing controversy began in January with the firing of long time Executive Director Steve Tucker.   The abrupt termination of the popular Executive Director was followed by months of turmoil and community uproar.  Several board members resigned or were removed, staff members resigned and some theatre bookings were canceled.  The lawsuit and community campaigns were intended to return Tucker to the Executive Director position.

The new board has a meeting scheduled for today, and it is expected they will be considering staffing and management concerns.