Making magic on her guitars, Cory is a favorite area musician.
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From Destination Duluth Managing Director Jerry Thoreson–
We are grateful for Sheryl Jensen’s work as Destination Duluth’s Arts and Entertainment editor. Most of her artist profiles are of people playing the lead role in an upcoming production; you know, the ones the audience gives a standing ovation for. Often going relatively unnoticed are the musicians in the orchestra pit. We are thrilled to highlight one of the area’s finest – Cory Clay, the musical co-director and playing in the upcoming Boat Club Production of Winter Wonderettes, December 5-15 at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theatre. For information and tickets, go to destinationduluth.co/BoatClubProductions
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Acoustic, electric, bass, classical, twelve string, banjo, mandolin, and even ukulele…Name nearly any instrument in the guitar family and Cory Clay knows how to play it and play it masterfully and probably even owns one in her vast collection.
Cory’s orchestra pit set up pre-production for a show. (Photo credit Cory Clay)
Cory recalls, “At age 13, I knew that studying music and guitar was going be my jam—for life. Like putting on an old shoe, it just fit. I didn't know it at the time, but it was my path to finding authenticity.”
Living in Europe for a few years when she was a child, the family came back to the U.S. and took up residence in Florida. Moving to Duluth from Florida, Cory graduated from Denfeld High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Music Education at UMD and her M.Ed., with a focus on Music Education, also at UMD.
Seven years old Cory, on an alp in Switzerland, is fascinated by an unidentified Alphorn player. Photo submitted.
Her entry into being a professional musician had her playing with area bands in various local venues. While she often played gigs on the weekends and evenings, she was also a Band Director/Music Teacher for the Two Harbors and Duluth Public Schools. Cory was a Classic Guitar Instructor at the University of Minnesota Duluth for over fifteen years.
“As a band teacher/director it’s also necessary to play all band instruments. While in high school I played largely Woodwinds—which included Bari-Sax in Marching Band, or any other horn that other students weren’t interested in because it was too large and cumbersome. I have not played bagpipes. I’m not sure whether that’s in my future or not.”
Cory added, “I’ve had many former students express gratitude for my encouragement to continue studying their instrument, and not just give up when things got tough. Quite a few of these former students are now professional musicians, or make their living in some form in the music industry. Some have gravitated to the theatre where they teach me about living and loving life in the theatre world."
Loving Duluth and Finding the Area Theater Scene
After many a childhood spent mostly in Florida, Cory was excited to move to Duluth. “I love the lakes and desperately wanted to live where the seasons change.”
“I continue to be content living in the Northland. I like snow, and winter is my favorite season,” Cory said. “I’m grateful to be happily settled in Northern Minnesota, in a comfortable home with my wife, Ginger, and our two rescue dogs, Mister Boo and Annie.”
Cory’s first theater experience in Duluth was in 2010 playing in a pit band for a Zeitgeist/Alan Zeppa production of “Man of La Mancha.” Playing guitar for this iconic musical opened Cory’s eyes to the camaraderie and sense of family that is so key to a successful theatrical production.
“I remember before ‘La Mancha’ shows, the cast and musicians would be in the little Green Room singing songs and making music together to warm up, everything from from show tunes to Beatles’ song. It was so much fun.”
From there, Cory never looked back and has gone on to play as a pit musician, music director, or both, for nearly fifty shows, at the Playhouse, Zeitgeist, and UMD.
Cory taking a quick break to offer peace in the orchestra pit for “9 to 5” at the Playhouse. Photo submitted
“After playing in bars for more than 35 years, working as a pit musician is a welcome blessing. Theatre people are some of the most passionate, loving, and humble humans I’ve had the pleasure of working with. For me, walking into the theatre is like coming home. The environment is so affirming and welcoming. I feel a sense of belonging.”
Cory has been able to use her guitar skills for a number of different styles, playing on a wide variety of instruments. “As a Pit Guitarist/Musician, it’s necessary to play all related instruments. I have quite an arsenal at home to choose from, ranging from classic guitars, acoustics, electrics, 7-string, banjo, mandolin, several basses and specialty instruments . . .”
“My favorite quote is from Pablo Picasso, as it sums up my life as an educator and as a theatre pit musician, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.’” Cory will be sharing her musical gifts in the upcoming Boat Club Production of “The Winter Wonderettes.”
Clay noted about “The Winter Wonderettes,” a show that she will be both playing for and co-music directing with Paul Christenson, “This show is unique in that it’s basically scored as a barbershop quartet for young women. The harmonies are tight, close, and require solid ear training, pitch control and the ability for independent part singing.”
“Our four young Wonderettes, played by Reagan Kern, Margaret McMahon, Sofia Salmela, and Bea Martin are vocally very talented, and they’re probably the youngest cast I’ve had the privilege of playing for in a professional setting. This show format is a first for me, and I’m always up for a new experience,” she added.
After “Winter Wonderettes,” Cory will play in “The Last Five Years,” another Boat Club Production, opening in February 2025.
Information on “The Winter Wonderettes”
Boat Club Productions presents “The Winter Wonderettes”
Directed by Peter Froehlingsdorf
Spirit of the North Theatre at Fitger’s at 600 E. Superior St.
December 5-8 and 12-15 (Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm)
Written and Created by Roger Bean
From the Boat Club website
“Winter Wonderettes continues the story of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, (from “The Wonderettes”), who return to organize the Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. Set against the backdrop of the 1968 holiday season, the Wonderettes entertain the audience with classic seasonal tunes and holiday cheer. “Winter Wonderettes” captures the magic of the season, inviting audiences to experience the joy of the holidays with these long-time friends.”
Buy tickets online at boatclubrestaurant.com or call 218-623-7065.
