Carousel Dinner Theater
By Eddie M
“Expect the Unexpected” is the motto of the Carousel Dinner Theater in Akron Ohio. With people busier than ever in the past, recreation time is more important than it's ever been. Good food and a entertaining show combine to make theater a satisfying choice of a lot of people every year. The Carousel calls itself the largest professional theater in the country, but many theaters seem to make that claim. Whether it really is the largest or not, it is one of the best. Carousel hires members of the American Federation of Musicians, Actors Equity Association and Society of Directors and Choreographers. It's not just a matter of supporting unions. It's a matter of ensuring that every element of the production is undertaken by serious professionals. Carousel opened in 1973 in a converted supermarket, then moved to its current location in 1988. The theater accommodates patrons looking for both and a show, as well as those who want to skip the meal but see the show. Over the last few years the production quality has risen, attracting even more serious professionals from the New York theater business. This means the shows are even better than in the past. The phenomenon of “Wicked” has been a big one in the theater world. This is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda the Good Witch, and their families and lives before the events of the Wizard of Oz. From August to November of 2008 the Carousel urges theater patrons to see the “story that started it all,” the original story Wizard of Oz presented in a stage play. This production boasts a colorful Proscenium, which is the frame around the stage that rotates the different sets into place. Plays in 1973 didn't have their own blogs. Given its proximity to Broadway and the attraction to New York theater professionals, over the years the Carousel has hosted quite a number of Broadway productions. In 2008 “the Odd Couple” played there. The theater

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Heritage Chicken Cooking Competition
<p>Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch announces the heritage chicken cooking competition. With the right recipe for whole-bird, cut-up, de-boned or barbequed heritage chicken, you could win $1,000. Plus, you'd be contibuting to a worthy cause - promoting heritage breeds.</p>
Oven-Roasted Squash with Garlic and Parsley
Winter squash becomes tender and sweeter when roasted-a delicious side for a holiday dinner. Look for interesting squash like kabocha or hubbard at your farmers' market and try them in this recipe. (Recipe adapted from Alice Waters.)
Moroccan Skirt Steak with Roasted Pepper Couscous
Thin cuts of beef, such as skirt steak or sirloin steak, cook very quickly when seared in a hot skillet-just right for a busy weeknight. We love how the spicy Moroccan flavors on the steak complement the sweet, roasted pepper-studded couscous. Serve with: Arugula salad and a glass of Pinot Noir.
Brine-Cured Roast Turkey
A big turkey is so spectacular you hardly need to do anything to embellish it. But brining can be that extra touch that makes it so juicy and flavorful that you'll remember it for years to come. Brining the turkey takes 3 days so you'll need to plan ahead, but the lengthy brining time really pays off with fabulous flavor. Make sure you start with an all-natural bird without any added water and sodium solution. (Recipe adapted from Alice Waters.)
Mediterranean Saut? Shrimp and Fennel
Serve this saut? fennel and shrimp with a tomato-caper sauce in whatever way suits your fancy-with pasta, whole grains, such as bulgur or brown rice, or even mashed potatoes. Serve with: A mixed green salad.
Acorn Squash Stuffed with Chard and White Beans Recipe
Acorn squash's natural shape makes it just right for stuffing. The filling in this recipe has Mediterranean flair: olives, tomato paste, white beans and Parmesan cheese. Serve with: Mixed green salad with radicchio and red onion and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
Roasted Pumpkin-Apple Soup
Apples add just a hint of sweetness to this velvety pumpkin soup. Try it as a delightful first course for a special meal or for dinner with grilled sharp Cheddar sandwiches.
Mixed Green Salad with Grapefruit and Cranberries
Grapefruit juice is the base for the tangy vinaigrette on this salad studded with grapefruit segments and dried cranberries. It serves 12 as a starter or about 6 if you'd like a large portion per person.
Chile-Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Give ordinary roasted sweet potatoes a big flavor boost with this quick, Asian-inspired seasoning mix.

has shown Annie, Footloose, The Sound of Music, Grease, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and many other productions over the years. It's almost a Broadway off Broadway, where you can enjoy a meal while watching a top quality play. 2009 will be a big season for the theater with classics like My Fair Lady and brand new plays like High School Musical. The Carousel Dinner Theater gives Akron's citizens and visitors a taste of the New York nightlife. Take a look, you might be surprised.