Intermission isn’t a crowded affair anymore at Clarkston Village Players’ Depot Theater, thanks to a recent renovation.
“With the sofas, it would get pretty crowded,” said Jan Cable, CVP public relations manager. “This opens it up and makes it a lot more comfortable.”
Sofas which used to fill the theater’s front lobby were removed, replaced with barstool-type seating and benches. Renovation work also included new light, removal or walls, and bathroom improvements.
“The lobby was last renovated in 1988,” Cable said.
Work on theater at 4861 White Lake Road started in July, after Youth Theater, and was completed in time for the opening show of the season in September.
“It was a labor of love,” Cable said. “Our members are wonderful, a dedicated, well rounded group. They all pitched in.”
The project for the non-profit group was funded several years of donations and patronage. Ideas for future renovation include replacing seats and other work to the theater.
“We’re hoping we can do it next year,” Cable said. “We’ll get it done as soon as we can.”
“The depot has a lot of history,” Cable said. “It was built around the turn of the century, and helped make Clarkston a resort community during the first quarter of the 20th century.”
The depot was a stopping point for summer vacationers traveling by horse-drawn carriages and, later, motorized open-air mini-buses. The building was destroyed by fire in 1923 and rebuilt. The present station served train passengers until 1959. CVP purchased the Depot from Grand Trunk in the early 1960’s for $150.
“We are celebrating our 50th year as a theater group this year,” she said.
This year’s season continues with the comedy ‘A Nice Family Gathering,? Nov. 4-7 and 11-13, and also include ‘Rounding Third,? ‘The Decorator,? ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,? and ‘Incorruptible.?
For more information, call 248-625-8811 or check www.clarkstonvillageplayers.org.