BUCKFIELD – The Oddfellow Theater opens its new season Friday night with The Early Evening Show and guest, The Maine Hysterical Society.
Patrons will see a new 16- by 62-foot lobby constructed over the summer by owner and actor Michael Miclon.
Miclon said, “The new lobby will feature a permanent tribute to Benny Reehl who died in July. You will be able to view Reehl’s costumes from his Buckfield Leather and Lather days, photos, scripts, part of his old truck and a historical look at a man who brought joy to so many people.”
Reehl’s widow, Denise, is helping decorate the walls, which will chronicle the history of this entertainer who got his start with Tony Montanaro and his Celebration Barn Theater school in Paris. Miclon also studied with Montanaro.
There is also a box office, concession area, merchandise area, indoor handicap accessible ramp and three bathrooms.
“This expansion is to make the public more comfortable,” Miclon said. “We are not adding seats, just convenience for our patrons.”
Miclon has performed at the White House, The Kennedy Center and all over Europe.
His Early Evening Show, which is modeled after the “Tonight Show” has been featured on “CBS Sunday Morning” and in Yankee Magazine. Miclon, a 20-year veteran of the variety stage, hosts this would-be late night talk show.
New box office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
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