Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA in Marshall, Michigan, is a great place to sit down and enjoy some delicious home cooking, but what you may not guess is that it also offers a professional dinner theater. That’s where Dexter Brigham comes in. A theater producer for over 20 years, Brigham joined Turkeyville in early 2021 and is now the producing artistic director for Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre. That makes Brigham responsible for presenting all of the Broadway musicals and live entertainment at Turkeyville USA.
Group Tour asked Brigham how he makes that magic happen at Turkeyville USA and what groups can expect on their visit to this Michigan landmark.
Q. How would you describe Turkeyville USA to someone who has never visited before?
A. Turkeyville USA is a 400-acre family farm that has grown to become one of southwest Michigan’s most delightful tourist destinations. We offer a six-show season of Broadway musicals and plays, an all-turkey restaurant, ice cream parlor with homemade fudge and popcorn, bakery, gift shop, live animals, and over 2 1/2 miles of rideable model train track.
Q. What makes Turkeyville USA a great place for group tours?
A. We have everything a group tour needs in one place: dining, entertainment, shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Our team is experienced with meeting the needs of group tours, providing step-on welcomes and keeping group itineraries on schedule. The wide variety of attractions around the property ensures that there’s something fun for everyone, whether it’s shopping for sassy T-shirts and baked goods, petting the goats, or taking in a Broadway show.
Q. How does Turkeyville USA help tour operators plan their group tours?
A. Our experienced planning staff will work with you to plan your day by providing concierge box office service so you an update your booking numbers as they change. We are located close to, or on the way to, other popular Michigan destinations (Holland, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, etc.) and can coordinate your time with us to ensure you reach your final destination on time. Once on-site, we will provide a step-on guide who will provide helpful information and direct guests to restrooms and ensure everyone is seated in the dinner theater in time for the meal and show.
Q. Are there any special events group tours should know about at Turkeyville USA?
A. Turkeyville has loads of special events throughout the year, including a Renaissance Fair, Antique Tractor Show, and our annual Haunted Adventure every weekend in October, which includes a haunted barn, spooky hay ride, corn maze, and train rides.
Q. What are some upcoming shows at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre that groups should be aware of?
A. The 2025 season of Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre will be kicking off in late February with a new show from The Manhattan Dolls called “Good Morning, Vietnam” featuring hits from the rock ‘n’ roll war. As we roll into spring, a magical, romantic comedy called “Almost, Maine” will take the stage, followed by the sassy sisters of the habit-forming musical “Nunsense.” In the summer, the temp won’t be the only thing headed back to the 80s when we premiere our new 80s rock revue “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” followed by Andrew Lloyd Weber’s rock musical of biblical proportions, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” As we head into the holidays, our season will close out with dancing elves and North Pole shenanigans in “The Naughty List.”
Q. What’s the long-term outlook for group tours at Turkeyville USA?
A. For over 60 years, Turkeyville USA has been welcoming guests to the farm, and group tours are a huge part of who we are. We love surprising new guests with our fun and quirky, family-oriented amenities, and we will continue to be a great place for group tours for many years to come.
Q. Is there anything else our audience of tour operators should know about Turkeyville USA?
A. The Cornwell’s farm has been in the family for almost 200 years, and five generations of Cornwells have worked for the past 60 years to build Turkeyville from a popular sandwich stand at the county fair into Southwest Michigan’s family destination for home-cooked food and great entertainment!
Learn More
Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre
turkeyville.com
Lead image:
Photo courtesy of Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre
