Ms. Art Deco (Amber Ruth), Saint Paul Mayor Randy Kelly and Raeann Ruth

     After nearly three years of renovation, the Mounds Theatre held its official Grand Opening on October 24th. Raeann Ruth, executive director of the Portage for Youth, has spearheaded the effort to bring the theatre back to life after its many years' usage as a warehouse.
     The evening began with Saint Paul Mayor Randy Kelly, Raeann Ruth and Ms. Art Deco (Amber Ruth) performing the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. A reception followed with hors d'oeuvres prepared by Mintahoe Hospitality. Guitarist Alan Johnston and organist Karl Eilers provided musical entertainment.
     Mayor Kelly was master of ceremonies for a show that highlighted the versatility of the Mounds Theatre. The show began with Ann Johnston singing "The National Anthem". After some opening remarks by the mayor, songs from the years the theatre originally opened and closed were presented. Peter Borne sang "Toot Toot Tootsie" from 1922 while Deb Brown sang "Different Drum" from 1967.
     The years in between were represented by "The Stars" from the Legacy Dance Studio, tap dancing to the World War II hit, "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy". Maurice Jacox finished out the late 1940s by singing "Dear Hearts and Gentle People"
     The night's entertainment turned to the big movie screen to see a video presentation of "The Mounds Theatre: An Odyssey". Produced by Fred Kaphingst and created by John O'Brien, this video traced the history of the Mounds Theatre from its early days in the 1920s, through its various renovations, its closing in the 1960s and finally its rebirth in the 21st century.
     To prove that video has not yet replaced film, two silent movies were shown, a Felix the Cat cartoon and a Laurel and Hardy comedy. The magic fingers of Karl Eiler provided the accompaniment on the organ.
     After more remarks by the mayor and some words on how the theatre will be used to fulfill "Visions for Young Artists" by Richard Hitchler of Steppingstone Theater and John O'Brien, it was back to live entertainment.
     Magician Tyler Erickson performed several amazing sleights of hand and then surprised the audience with equally incredible piano playing.
     Finally to end the evening, the thirty-piece 3M Orchestra played "The Marriage of Figaro" by Amadeus Mozart and a medley of songs from "Man of La Mancha".
     The evenings' festivities were sponsored by Equity Services of Saint Paul, the City of Saint Paul, Perfect Host Catering, Lund & Lange Florists, Kurt Adolfson Photography and Ideal Printers. Greg Cosimini, Dewey White and Richard Cronholm provided technical services.

Amber Ruth, Mayor Randy Kelly and Raeann Ruth prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony

Magician Tyler Erickson, show and video producer Fred Kaphingst and
vocalist Ann Johnston

George Hardenbergh, who donated the Mounds Theatre to the Portage for Youth,
Joe and Elsie Cosimini, long time neighborhood residents, and Mayor Randy Kelly

Guitarist Alan Johnston

Joyce Waldon and Bob Raddatz, Mounds Theatre renovation project general contractor

Hors d'oeuvres provided by Mintahoe Hospitality

Amber Ruth, Raeann Ruth and singer Deb Brown

Joyce Waldon, Bob Raddatz, Raeann Ruth, Steve Ruth and Mayor Randy Kelly