A showcase of talent

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2013 at 12:00 am

Dance, music, theater on display at Albion event

Photos by Tom Rivers – Ryan Haight, center, and other members of the Albion Men’s Select Chorus ham it up with Director Gary Simboli during Theatre on Main Street on Saturday.

Mary Martin and the Albion Women’s Select Chorus performed several songs for about 400 people at the Theatre on Main Street.

Elizabeth Banty is the swan queen surrounded by black swans in a performance by the Gotta Dance by Miss Amy studio.

ALBION – Performers from several communities in Orleans County were welcomed for the debut of Theatre on Main Street.

The three-hour show was on an outdoor stage on West Bank Street.The crowd seemed to get bigger throughout the night. Organizers estimated 400 people were there.

Organizers hope it’s the beginning of more shows drawing dancers, musicians and theatrical performers to the county. Someday soon, the stage could be the opera houses in Albion and Medina.

The National Park Foundation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor contributed grants for the first Theatre on Main Street. The groups wanted the performance close to a historic opera house. Michael Bonafede and Judith Koehler own that building and are working to restore the site.

The Spotlight Dance Studio in Albion gets a chance on the stage.

Students from Dance Reflections by Miss Heather were among the performers.

John Martin, “Zilch Fletcher,” of Medina entertained with some light-hearted songs.

The Three Little Maids include, from left: Maarit Vaga, her daughter Lydia Erakare and Kristi Phillips.