The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Carthage, Jasper County

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March 23, 2008

Jo Ellis: Route to entertainment thrives on Route 66

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Although much has changed over the years, historic Route 66 through Carthage continues to be the road to interesting sights and events in the city.

Following the original route carries you along Spring River northeast of the city to the intersection of Central and Garrison avenues (once touted as the “Crossroads of America”), south two blocks to Memorial Hall, then west on Oak Street toward the city limits and beyond.

Located along that western stretch are the Powers Museum, Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre and the 66 Drive-In Theatre, all of which bring cultural entertainment to residents, and all of which have upcoming events that are worth checking out.

First on the calendar, Powers Museum on Saturday presents Dave Dickerson in a one-person interpretation of the world-famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini, who visited the Tri-State Area in the 1890s as a member of the California Concert Company. This free program is slated for 1:30 p.m. It includes a brief presentation on early 20th century entertainment in the American heartland. It coincides with the opening of the new museum exhibit, “Entertaining Carthage Through the Years.”

Dickerson is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He portrayed the Civil War photographer Matthew Brady in the 2000 chautauqua event. He has appeared in two feature films and the soap opera “All My Children.” When he is not play-acting, he is an educator and a human-resources director. His first-person interpretation of Houdini is a precursor to the 2008 chautauqua coming to Carthage in June.

Down the road, Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre is offering an odd version of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.” This production looks at the story from a female point of view. The starring roles, played by Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in the film version, are filled by Sonya Kew, of Joplin, and Krista Thompson, of Carthage. Other cast members are Becky Gooch, Carole Lenger, Roberta Shilane, Elisia Conrardy, Pete Schlau and Jonathan Peck. Imma Curl is the director.

Obsessive cleanliness and neatness versus a dirty, disgusting and laid-back lifestyle mix in with some airborne Italian dishes in this comedic battle between female roommates. The show runs April 3-5 and April 11-13, so it’s not too early to call for reservations. Admission is $20 for adults; $19 for seniors; $17 for children under 16; and free for children under 5. Funding is being provided by the Missouri Arts Council and Schmidt & Associates. For reservations and more details, people may call 358-9665 or 358-7268.

Still farther west on Route 66, the 66 Drive-In Theatre is a nostalgic treat for those who remember the old road in its heyday, and just a fun night out for their children and grandchildren. Starting on April 4, the theater will screen G, PG and PG-13 movies Friday through Sunday evenings. Of six drive-ins named after the road, the Carthage 66 Drive-In Theatre is the only one still in operation. Details: (417) 359-5959.

So take a drive on Route 66. It still has a bunch of kicks.

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Carthage, Jasper County
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