Tuesday, December 12, 2006; Posted: 3:50 p.m. (CDT)
A fire ruined a performing stage in Edmond five years ago today.
That stage was used by Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park.
Nearly $25,000 in donations poured in and a new stage was rebuilt in time for the 2003 summer season.
In 2005, another fire destroyed the new performing stage. That damage totaled more than $50,000.
David Holt, the President of Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, announced today the outdoor theater has a new home.
Holt says, "In light of our recent history, we had two criteria. It be made on concrete and surrounded by water."
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park's new stage will be located at Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City.
Holt says, "We sensed a real opportunity to bring our products to a more central location."
This will be quite a change for many. The performing stage had been located in Edmond at Hafer Park for the past 22 years.
Holt says, "The people of Edmond have been wonderful to us. Ultimately, we felt this location was best for our long term future."
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett says, "Oklahoma City is becoming a destination place and it's events like this that make that possible."
The Oklahoma City Council approved a three-year lease with the outdoor theater beginning June 2007.
At that time Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park will also hold its first production.
