Ten Chimneys Foundation

The Ten Chimneys Experience is one of connections and wholeness: lasting relationships, creativity, collaboration, education, work, and fun. More than extraordinary artists, the Lunts were masters of the art of everyday life. They cooked, sewed, decorated, and farmed with the same artistic fervor they displayed on stage. The values that guided the Lunts’ lives and careers drive our programs.

"Conversations at Ten Chimneys" Lecture Series

Inspired by the legendary conversations that spun round the Lunts’ glamorous dining table, each “conversation” features a local or national luminary with a connection to theatre, the Lunts, or the themes and values of Ten Chimneys.

Since the series inception in 2004, we have welcomed:

Long-time arts critic and feature writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the late Mr. JIM AUER, and his wife, Ms. MARILYN MILLS AUER.

Broadway director, producer, author, teacher, and stage manager for the Lunts’ GI tour of “O Mistress Mine,” Mr. AARON FRANKEL.

Acclaimed author and Lunt biographer, Dr. JARED BROWN.

Author, playwright, theatre historian, and Noël Coward biographer, MR. BARRY DAY.

Preservationist, White House Advisor, author, historian, and the expert who guided Ten Chimneys’ restoration, DR. WILLIAM SEALE.

Noël Coward’s North American representative, MR. GEOFFREY JOHNSON.

“Swedish Interiors” authors, MS. RHONDA ELEISH and MS. EDIE VON BREEMS.

“Turner Classic Movies” television network host, MR. ROBERT OSBORNE.

North American Director of the international Noël Coward Society, MR. KEN STARRET.

A performance by MR. JONATHAN DALY, MS. LAURA GORDON, MR. RICHARD HALVERSON, MS. ANGELA IANNONE, MR. NORMAN MOSES, AND MR. JONATHAN SMOOTS (directed by MS. LAURA GORDON) from “The Letters of Noël Coward” created specifically for Ten Chimneys by author MR. BARRY DAY.

A musical review by the artistic team of MR. GARY BRIGGLE and MR. JAMIE JOHNS who created the smash hit “Noël Coward: A Talent to Amuse.”

Renowned New York theatre critic, MR. LEONARD JACOBS.

Please refer to the “Current Program Materials” in the upper right corner of this page to see what’s going on this season.

The Plays of Lunt and Fontanne: Readings at Ten Chimneys

In collaboration with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Artistic Internship Program, “Play Readings at Ten Chimneys” feature intern-read presentations of outstanding plays related to Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. This collaborative effort with the Rep’s Intern Company mirrors the Lunts’ devotion to mentoring and nurturing young actors.

For the interns, the experience is educational and inspirational, connecting these up-and-coming theatre professionals to the spirit of mentorship that pervades Ten Chimneys, thanks to Lunt-Fontanne protégés such as Laurence Olivier, Julie Harris, and Montgomery Clift. For audiences, it’s an opportunity to enjoy some of the 20th-century’s most successful plays, at the estate of the legendary actors who made them famous.

Please refer to the “Current Program Materials” in the upper right corner of this page to see what’s going on this season.

“Music in the Drawing Room” Concert Series

Since 2005, we have welcomed nationally-renowned cabaret artists to perform at the historic Noël Coward Piano for intimate gatherings of no more than forty people. Performances take place in the Main House and offer guests a rare and intimate experience in the stunning Drawing Room. This private room was the main setting for the Lunts to entertain their guests, where the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier, or Helen Hayes were entertained by a song from Noël Coward. Past performers have included: MR. STEVE ROSS, MR. GARY BRIGGLE, MR. MARK NADLER, MR. ERIC COMSTOCK & MS. BARBARA FASANO, and MS. KT SULLIVAN.

Please refer to the “Current Program Materials” in the upper right corner of this page to see what’s going on this season.

High School Groups Eligible for $10 Tours of Ten Chimneys

Ten Chimneys Foundation has created an outreach program to allow high school juniors and seniors (ages 16-18) to experience the magic and inspiration of Ten Chimneys. The regular admission price of $35 per person (necessary to cover 60% of preservation and operating costs) could make it very difficult for students to afford visiting Ten Chimneys. However, Ten Chimneys has the potential to be an exceptionally meaningful experience for high school students, especially those who have demonstrated an interest in the arts or history.

Students who visit Ten Chimneys will be exposed to a culturally and historically rich National Landmark. And, perhaps more importantly, they will be inspired by stories filled with the high ideals and exceptional values that made up Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne’s “Design for Living”: graciousness, lifelong friendships, attention to detail, discipline, dedication to craft, and a balanced, integrated life. These ideals are vital, not only to legendary actors and artists, but to each of us and the youth of our community.

Student groups were welcomed to Ten Chimneys for the first time in 2005. One student summed up her experience simply by saying, “A place like this allows us to dream.” This new program will allow hundreds of additional students the chance to dream.

Sign your group up now! The program includes pre-tour materials and activities, a custom tour experience, and an opportunity for on-site reflection. The cost to participating students is only $10 for the entire experience. Call or email Kristine Weir-Martell (262-968-4161 ×203 or ) to reserve a date for your students.