Old Creamery gets new digs

AMANA - The Old Creamery Theatre's Studio Series has a new home, after losing the Depot space in the 2008 floods.

Empty spaces in the former Clear Creek Amana Middle School in Middle Amana will house an 80-seat theater, rehearsal hall, costume and prop shop and a space for set production.

 “The Glass Menagerie,” by University of Iowa graduate Tennessee Williams, will launch the series April 8 to 25.

The Clear Creek Amana Middle School took over the high school building in Tiffin last fall when the high school moved into its new facility, leaving half the Middle Amana building empty. An agreement between the school and theater includes rent, plus performances and opportunities for Old Creamery staff to interact with Clear Creek Amana students. Younger students will see the company's touring children's show and Old Creamery staff will assist older students with their shows.

Studio shows have been held at the Ox Yoke Inn since the floods.

An open house will be held once the new space is ready. Volunteers will be needed at a later date to move items from the warehouse behind the Amana Woolen Mill to the new space. To help, call the theater at (319) 622-6034 and leave your name and phone number.

2010 Season

Dinner Theatre: “Educating Rita,” Feb. 5 to 21, Ox Yoke Inn, Amana. Dinner and show, $40 per person; show only, $25; through the Ox Yoke Inn, 1-(800) 233-3441.

Bluegrass Jam: Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Old Creamery Theatre; $16.50 at 1-(800) 35-AMANA.

Main Stage: “Everybody Loves Opal,” April 29 to May 23, comedy; “Rumors,” June 3 to July 3, Neil Simon comedy; “A Don't Hug Me County Fair,” July 15 to Aug. 15, musical comedy; “Church Basement Ladies,” Sept. 9 to Oct. 17, musical comedy; “Blithe Spirit,” Oct. 21 to Nov. 14, Noel Coward comedy; “Plaid Tidings,” Nov. 18 to Dec. 19, '50s and holiday musical favorites.

Studio Series: “The Glass Menagerie,” April 8 to 25, drama; “Red, White & Tuna,” Aug. 19 to Sept. 5, comedy; “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Sept. 30 to Oct. 17, drama.

For Young Audiences: “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” April 24 to May 8, musical; “Miss Nelson is Missing!” July 31 to Aug. 14, musical; “Hansel and Gretel,” Sept. 25 to Oct. 9; “The Snow Queen,” Dec. 4 to 18, based on Hans Christian Anderson's tale.

Special Event: Doug Gabriel & Family from Branson, Mo., July 8 to 11, music and comedy.

Tickets and information: 1-(800) 35-AMANA or www.oldcreamery.org