A slightly reduced schedule of music on the patio at Rochester Civic Theatre this summer begins Friday.
The oldies band LP & the 45s will play from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., before the opening of the thriller play "Night Watch," and then again after the play from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. In keeping with a new plan of themed food offerings, chili dogs and homemade chips from Grand Rounds will be available from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This year's Patio Concert Series will be held only through the run of the summer plays "Night Watch" (June 10-26) and "The 39 Steps" (July 15-31).
In previous years, the patio series was held weekly through August. But the introduction of summer plays brought about the change, said Sinead Chick, operations manager at RCT.
"We are reintroducing summer performances as our research suggests our patrons are looking for year-round theatrical offerings," Chick said. To avoid confusion, she said, "We elected to offer summer patio events when the plays are occurring."
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Construction at the site has also complicated the planning process. But, Chick said, "We'll be ready" for the opening of "Night Watch" and the music series.
The remainder of the Summer Patio Series, with menu offerings:
— June 17, Swing Street, crepes
— June 24, Annie Mack, jambalaya
— July 15, Knufunk, Belizean chicken, beans, rice, coleslaw
— July 22, Dianna Parks, chicken or steak, vegetable kabobs
— July 29, LP & the 45s, beer brats, sauerkraut, homemade chips
Admission to the patio is free. Tickets for the plays are available at the RCT box office, 507-282-8481.
