Get your tickets for this wonderful event, 'Balcony View.' Frump Auditorium was built in 1920 in beautiful downtown Lake Woebegone, MN. It is a grand example of the gilded pleasure houses which were common to that era. The lobby rises three stories, resplendent in burgundy, gold, crystal, and white marble. The colors and posh decor continue throughout the venue, even into the lounges and restrooms which also benefited from the renovation of 1986-88.

The renovation restored Frump to its original beauty inside and out while updating important systems most patrons never consider, such as converting gas lights to electric and replacing the original hemp ropes which were still in use controlling the flies. Elevators were also installed, hidden within the massive columns in the middle of the grand staircases in the lobby, and are reserved for the use of patrons with mobility issues.

To enter the house, people with main floor seating must descend several steps from the lobby and enter from the center rear. Balcony and box ticket holders ascend gentle sweeping ramps from either end of the lobby, entering from the sides. Those holding tickets for the high balcony climb one of the twin grand staircases which are approximately 1 1/2 stories high; they also enter from the center rear. Patrons with mobility issues may use an elevator to access either the main floor or high balcony by showing their ticket to an usher.

From the balcony of Frump Auditorium, the view is incomparable. Due to the unique arrangement of the house, with the main floor sloping down from front to back, this is one of the few venues in which the balcony provides a better view than the either the main floor or the boxes. Especially from the front third of the main floor, it is possible to see into the wings and fly, which detracts from the "suspension of disbelief" required to truly immerse oneself in a performance.

Recent performances of the holiday classic "Cheese and Crackers" involved several of the city's major arts groups: the Lake Woebegone symphony under the direction of Maestro Guy Noir, both the adult and children's troupes from Lake Woebegone Academy of Dance, and the adult chorus from Our Lady of Perpetual Responsibility, Lake Woebegone's Catholic church.

Melanie Smith directed the production, with Tom Wesson easily handling the difficult job of intra-agency liaison. Smith & Wesson have worked together for almost 3 years, and the experience shows. Their best works to date include "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Death of a Salesman", both of which sold out their entire runs before the second night of the play. After seeing their interpretation of "Cheese", I predict a similar response from the public. Don't miss out, get your tickets while they're still available.