The Morning Midway: Al Ringling Theatre Jumps with C&W, Magic, and a Capra Silent

It may be musty. May be a little creaky and cranky (that photo is very flattering), but oh what an atmospheric journey back to the long-lost. This last weekend, Baraboo's Al Ringling Theatre, five years away from its centennial anniversary, hosted three nights of disparate entertainment, something maybe for everyone:

Friday: Country singer Dayna Manlow's band from Chicago

Saturday: Illusionist Tristan Crist

Sunday: The 1926 Frank Capra directed silent film The Strong Man, with a live original score supplied by Donnie Rankin at the mighty Barton Theatre Organ. Also on the bill were animated movie shorts and "a little vaudeville."

Tickets for these events ranged from $5 to $10.

Stage also hosts plays and musicals. How many towns this size have their own movie palace? Enter with a kind forbearance for strange kerosene odors. And, by all means, come in top hat and cape if you wish. But be advised: no valet parking for horse drawn carriages.