Country Theatre Workshop raises curtain on remodeled theater

CISSNA PARK – Country Theatre Workshop of Cissna Park will celebrate the completion of its building renovation project with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the theater.

The theater closed in September and over the winter, enclosed its original building in a new one, enlarged the lobby, remodeled the auditorium and built ramps to the new seating levels to provide greater accessibility to people with handicaps. The stage also was enlarged.

During the event, patrons will be invited to see the remodeled areas including the new table arrangements.

The Country Theatre Workshop is located 2 miles north of Cissna Park on Illinois 49 and a quarter mile west on County Road 770 N (1280 E 770 N). It was established in 1982 by Wilma J. Dryden, a retiring theater arts instructor, and two of her former pupils, Richard Baier and Dick Reutter, to provide live theater in the rural area.

For the theater, the three purchased a tin farm building, originally used to store farm machinery and plumbing supplies, at auction. They replaced the dirt floor with concrete and did other extensive remodeling.

The Country Theatre Workshop board of directors will accept tax-deductible donations toward the recent renovation. People may send their donations to Country Theatre Workshop, P.O. Box 394, Cissna Park, IL 60924. They are asked to write "Building Renovation Donation" on their checks.

The theater's 2008 summer season will feature "Peter Pan," June 12-22; "Cheaper by the Dozen," July 10-20; "Over the River and Through the Woods," Aug. 14-23; and "Plaid Tidings," Sept. 4-14.

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