Since moving to this area about six years ago, I've been impressed by the quality of the local theatrical scene. For a smallish city, Eau Claire has numerous talented amateur actors and singers willing to pour their hearts out on stage.
Bringing them all together is the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, which consistently produces plays and musicals that would make any amateur theater proud. Musical productions tend toward classics (the fall 2005 staging of "The Sound of Music" was nearly flawless) with the occasional surprise ("Barnum" recently). The guild does a number of nonmusicals each year as well, the most recent being "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," a heart-wrenching ensemble show.
The affordable tickets, outstanding productions and chance to see your friends and neighbors on stage will make you think twice about driving to the big city and shelling out $60 to see another touring production of "Cats."
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