The Show Must Go On For The Strand

After a summer in the dark, The Strand is preparing for its 2006-2007 season. In early May, an unrelated automobile accident in Downtown Shreveport shut down electricity for the city for a few hours. However, the accident sent several bursts of electricity through the 85-year-old Strand, which fried several circuits and destroyed lighting systems. "Electricians say seven or eight bursts went through," said The Strand`s Executive Director Danny Fogger. "It fired the dimmer racks." Insurance did cover part of the $350,000 cost, but this opportunity also served as a way to upgrade many systems in the building, which are more than 20 years old. "What`s in here now is comparable to something on Broadway," said Operations Manager Ken Welch. Soundboards have been replaced, and several walls and columns have received a touch-up of paint. The Audience will notice new seat lettering, as well as new signs around the building. "We`ve been just busy, busy, busy," said maintenance crew member David Fuselier. "We`ve been that way for three months." This year`s shows range from classic musicals to fifties rock. Fogger hopes this year`s shows bring in a good amount of revenue, to compensate for money lost this summer. "We are ready to sell tickets," said Fogger. The first show is Dorothy the Dinosaur`s Dance Party on Friday, October 20. The Broadway musical Hairspray follows it with one show on Saturday night, October 21st. For more information on The Strand, or for this season`s shows, go to : http://www.thestrandtheatre.com/