Library Dinner Theater boasts clean, comical musical entertainment

Published 4:46 pm Thursday, March 23, 2023

The Luverne Public Library hosted its 12th annual Dinner Theater on March 14, featuring four award winning entertainers known as “Three on a String.”

Library director Kathryn Tomlin said the event was the first held in two years, since pandemic-related restrictions paused many local gatherings.

“We held the last one on the second Tuesday in March 2020,” Tomlin said. “Everything closed down the following Friday, so we got it in just under the wire.”

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The evening featured musical entertainment and humor from the quartet and also boasted a silent auction, dinner, and table service provided by members of the Luverne High School Band and Luverne Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

Luverne resident Dianne Catrett attends the event every year with local family and friends. She said this year’s event was the best one yet.

“This was a perfect night,” Catrett said. “I believe it’s the best I’ve ever had. I enjoyed the entertainment, and the food was just perfect.”

Each year the Friends of the Library partner with the Library Board of Trustees to sponsor desserts and hold a silent auction fundraiser during the event. Kay Goolsby arranged the table decorations and Melissa Mikul handled sound and lighting during the event.

Sandy Walker handles dinner preparations. And this year, Mike Jones and Al Snellgrove were Maitre Ds for the evening.

“Three on a String” celebrated 50 years of entertainment in 2021 and have been selected as inductees to the Alabama music Hall of Fame. The group, composed of founding members Jerry Ryan and Bobby Horton, performed first as a duet in 1971 and while members have transitioned in and out over the years, those two continue performing together today along with Brad Ryan and Andy Meginnis.

Meginnis plays bass, guitar, and handles lead and harmony vocals with the quartet. He toured with the group between 1974 and 1985 and rejoined after retiring from sales in 2013.

“[Being part of the group] is just fun,” Meginnis said. “I’m retired from sales. When I retired I got back with the group. It’s fun and we have a really good time doing it.”