Looking at our travel schedule through 2011, it comes to mind that we are offering five theater productions at different locations.

Considering the time of year and the easy availability, joining our group on a motorcoach is a pretty comforting way to attend a variety of shows in our area.

We have several one-day trips scheduled with places to park your car for our departure, no added cost of Ticketmaster, no parking fee at the theater and a chance to meet a lot of nice local people. That’s what many of your friends are doing, and we want to invite you to join us

•Wednesday: Old Log Theater “Everybody Loves Opal”  departs at 9 a.m.

Located near Lake Minnetonka, and Excelsior, this is the oldest theater in Minnesota having opened in 1940, and it has plays all year. It has offered  contemporary comedy in the theater which seats 600 people. A choice of meal entrees is served on the patio area. There are also hearing devices available. This country setting is always on our November schedule.

We can add a couple more up to two days prior.

•Dec. 3: “The Lundstrom’s Country Christmas Celebration” in Lakeville. Departs at 9:15 am.

Hosting this Branson-style of entertainment for its 15th year, this presentation casts more than 70 singers, dancers, comedians and performers. This show is presented nine times during the holiday season. We have openings due to late cancellations. Call our travel number for more information.

•Dec. 14: Oakridge Boys Christmas Show at the Mayo Civic Center, Rochester. Departs at 6:15 p.m.

The Oakridge Boys have entertained thousands nationally, and this show is a Christmas tradition. Their entertainment and staging is still superb. The show will include some of their favorite hits like “Elvira,” which always brings out the applause. The Mayo Civic Center is a multi-purpose event facility and the largest in the area hosting over 1,300 events a year.  This is a popular group trip is largely attended, which makes a group tour in December pretty accommodating.  A few seats remain available with a Nov. 14 due date.

•Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre featuring “Hair Spray.”

This special gala evening is Chanhassen’s big highlight of their year, from the décor down to the grilled lobster tail, roasted beef tenderloin or crusted chicken. Entertainment will follow the main show in all of the other theaters, and we are free to roam around to visit them all. “Hair Spray,” is a fantastic choice  with high reviews for the fun and full dancing cast. “Hair Spray” has been the winner of eight Tony awards, including the best musical. The Chanhassen is the nation’s first regional theater to run the play after its 2009 closing on Broadway in New York after a six-year run.

Chanhassen can host several different shows at one time.  The shows, which are Broadway style, are highly professional and will play for several months at a time. Smaller theaters within Chanhassen offer great shows, but on a smaller scale. The theater is under new ownership and is working to keep up the same big city theater experience.

This two-day trip is an annual one for us, and there still are openings.

Travel brochures are available at the south entrance, (outdoors). We continue to depart from the Wal-Mart parking lot. Our travel number is 507-438-3946 with 1002 16th St. SW Austin, Minnesota 55912. As our mailing address. We will continue to stay in touch Biweekly in the local papers.