THE Croswell Opera House in Adrian, the oldest theater in Michigan at 151 years old, reopened after a yearlong, multi-million dollar renovation.
The classic theater with red curtains and sparkling chandeliers was in its elegant glory for a celebration Saturday with a concert by Under the Streetlamp, a national touring group that includes Adrian native and former Croswell performer Shonn Wiley. The group performed doo-wop hits of the ’50s and ’60s. Mr. Wiley's father, Herb, who began teaching him to dance as a young child, came on stage for a special tap number with his son.
IN PICTURES: Around town: 5/11
Board President Jeff Danley thanked everyone for their generosity; $8.5 million had been raised. Capital campaign chairman Emory Schmidt had a lot of help, especially from a group informally known as the Kitchen Cabinet, who met weekly for two-plus years: Kris Schmidt, Julie and Allan Brittain, Dave Hickman, Sheila Dwyer Schwartz, Kyrie Bristle, and Jere Righter.
About $6.3 million was used for infrastructure upgrades and the creation of several new spaces.
Special recognition was given to lead donor Julia Argyros, who grew up in Adrian. The Croswell’s original 1866 auditorium is now known as the Julia Argyros Theater. While it has been refinished, it still retains its iconic plaster work that dates back to a renovation in 1921.
A new black-box theater and rehearsal room — the James E. Van Doren Studio — was named by donor Melissa Sage Fadim for her longtime friend. There is also a new bar called Farver's that offers spirits and light refreshments.
After the concert, the more than 600 fans who oohed and ahhed over the new features, celebrated under a giant tent. It was quite a turnout with guests from Adrian, Ypsilanti, Tecumseh, Clarklake, Mich., Sylvavia, and from as far away as California.
■ THE annual Cinco de Mayo party presented each year by RE/MAX Preferred Associates at Bar 145 raised $45,150 for Children’s Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. That's $10,000 more than last year and in spite of the downpour of rain on a night that still drew nearly 400 revelers. RE/MAX owners Kathy Kuyoth and John Mangas, who encourage their staff to get involved in the community, hosted the event.
56Daze played peppy tunes and guests sipped margaritas and other festive spirits while feasting from a Mexican buffet. Silent and live auctions headed by Aimee Roemer and Candice Huebner had a record year in donations.
Extra happy these days is Kara Zikovich, who works at Bar 145. She was the winner of a raffle for a Mercedes-Benz 2016 CLA250C4 from Coppus Motors for a 1-year, 9,000-mile lease.
■ THE Toledo Symphony League celebrated its 65th anniversary with a high tea at the Toledo Club. In keeping with the 65 theme, the event was limited to 65 guests and a check was presented to the Symphony’s President and CEO Zak Vassar for $6,500. That was in addition to the league’s annual pledge, President Cathy Fifer said.
The ladies sipped tea and nibbled petite edibles as principal harpist Nancy Lendrim played soft background tunes. Donning a hat and dress from the 60s was Betty McKinney, the second-longest tenured member who joined the league in 1961. Peg Werner who has been a member for 64 years, is the longest living member. Past presidents in attendance were Myrna Bryan, Zana Sandys, Bev Zielinski, Beth Bowman and Lynda Gilbert.
Kudos to soiree chairman Marlene Uhler and her committee, Kim Kearns, Mrs. Bowman, and Mrs. Gilbert.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade’s Society Editor.
Contact Barbara Hendel at: bhendel@theblade.com, 419-724-6124.
First Published May 11, 2017, 4:00 a.m.
