Akron's Carousel Dinner Theatre to Close After 35 Years
After 35 years in the business, it is rumored that the Carousel Dinner Theatre in Akron, Ohio will soon be shuttering its doors. Employees indicate that they were given the news on New Year's Eve that the theater would be closing, at least temporarily.
The Carousel Dinner Theatre has been in its current location at 1275 E. Waterloo Road in Akron for the past 20 years. Prior to that it was located in Ravenna, Ohio, before relocating in 1988. Over the years it has played host to thousands of actors and dozens of musicals.
Over 150 people are employed by the theater, which has been owned by Joe Palmer and David Slaght for the past six year. The owners have not disputed the rumors, and said that an official announcement will be made on Monday.
''Until someone hears it from me, it's all speculation, it's all rumors, and that's all I can tell you at this time. I understand there's a lot of rumors going on, and I will be addressing the Carousel situation on Monday," said co-owner Palmer.
Palmer also said that the theater will remain open through Saturday, where "All Shook Up" is currently ending its run. It debuted November 5 and is scheduled to end this weekend.
The city said that they have been made aware of the theater's financial issues, as well as their efforts to seek new funding and additional investors. There is little the city itself can do, however, besides hope that some new investors come forth to help the struggling theater keep its doors open a little while longer.
Comments
Surprised that it is closing...
I have been to the theater on several occasions. The shows were all pretty decent, but the food was always lacking - until we went to see All Shook Up. This show was by far the best performance I have seen at Carousel. In addition, the food quality was much better! I was very impressed and am frankly shocked that the theater is now on the brink of closing after my last visit. I do hope they keep the doors open - it would be a shame to lose such a neat place to visit in Akron.
SORRY TO HEAR THE CAROUSEL DINNER THEATER IS GOING TO CLOSE.
I am sorry to hear the theater is closing. I have been their several times and enjoyed the shows. The food I ordered was very good. I hope to hear on Monday that things will change and you will remain open.
IT WILL BE MISSED!
This is horrible. Joe Palmer and David Slaght brought so much improvement to the theater - they refurbished it, improved the food, brought the show out into the audience, and brought in better quality shows and performances. Wizard of Oz was absolutely a first-class production. Please - someone needs to step in and help get them through the slumping economy. If Medical Mutual can pay $10,000 to be sure there are Christmas lights in Brunswick, surely some investors can help save the Carousel. Join Save the Carousel Dinner Theatre on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42491269684&ref=mf#/group.php?gid=42491269684
Sad News
Thanks for setting up the group -- now if I can just remember my Facebook login! I saw several shows at the Carousel, starting in my teens, and I have wonderful memories of going with my Mom and my Oma (fellow musical devotees).
Sorry about Carousel
I am an actor who worked at Carousel last year and had a wonderful time. I am so sorry to hear the theater is closing. It will be missed.
Can't believe it!
I am so shocked to hear that the Carousel will be closing. I went there in August to see The Wizard of Oz and it was wonderful. I have been to the dinner theatre many times and it was always a great experience. As a child I loved going there, even now as an adult! I told my children that I was going to take them to see High School Musical 3 and today when I had to tell them that that wouldn't be happening because the theatre was closing, I can't even explain how that made me feel and seeing the looks on their faces was heartbreaking they were looking forward to seeing it so bad. But I guess now we'll have to find somewhere else to do. :(
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