The Historic Orpheum Theatre, located on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, was our destination this past week as we attended the theatrical magic production of “War Horse.”

In 1921 this theater opened its doors to famous entertainers including Jack Benny, Fanny Brice, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman, playing jazz, vaudeville, orchestra concert and comedians.

In the 1980s a huge renovation of more than $10 million brought the Orpheum Theatre around to hosting the wonderful Broadway productions such as “War Horse.”

Winner of five 2011 Tony Awards, this show was the imagination of an African Handspring Puppet Company, producing life-sized, galloping horses which were strong enough for men to ride.

Several scenes had as many as four horses on stage producing a real scene, with responses and facial expressions.

We all loved the show which has been in movie theaters.

•June 27: Clear Lake, Iowa.

We will begin our day with a tour of the Surf Ballroom and museum. Many will relate to the Buddy Holly story, who played his last performance there and lost his life hours later during a plane crash outside of Clear Lake, Iowa.

Many events are still held in his honor. A full day is planned including a cruise on the paddlewheeler, Lady of the Lake. Included is a community garden tour plus time spent in the downtown park, filled with fun, food, shopping at the weekly Thursdays on Main event.

Space is still available. We will depart at noon from Walmart and return about 9 p.m.

• July 10: “Happy Days” at the Marion Ross theater in Albert Lea.

There will be a city tour of summer landscaping in the residential areas prior to dinner with a 7:30 p.m. show to follow. Marion Ross, who played Mrs Cummingham on the long time running TV show of “Happy Days,” is originally from Albert Lea, and is scheduled to make a live appearance that evening. We will depart at 3:30 p.m. from Walmart.

•July 31: Chanhassen Dinner Theater. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” returns to the Chanhassen because of popular demand. This is a powerful and beloved historical story of Joseph. Space is available, reservations due by July 8.

•Aug. 15: Annual Mystery Trip. This one-day trip is one of our most popular trips. We will depart at 7:30 a.m. and return about 6:15 p.m.

Sign-ups have begun.

•Aug. 26: Annual Minnesota State Fair.

•Sept. 10-11: Our fall overnight tour will take us to Waterloo, Iowa. We have two days planned, including a trip to the Sullivan Museum, named for the five brothers from Waterloo who died when the USS Juneau sank during World War II.

There will also be a factory tour of the John Deere Company with lodging at the Isle Casino.

Plans are already in the making for an Oct. 3 trip to Stillwater. Located along the banks of the scenic St. Croix River we have planned a city tour of this historic town. A rideboat luncheon cruise is a must when we visit during the fall.

We have allowed free time to visit the town’s one of a kind boutiques and antique shops. We will be departing at 7:30 a.m. and return about 6:30 p.m.

We have an extended fall trip Oct. 13-19, as our travels will take us to Nashville, Tenn. An exciting destination, some of this motorcoach trip will include the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Willie Nelson Museum which has recently opened.

There will be a guided tour of the Belle Meade Plantation plus a Nashville step-on guide city tour. We will experience why Nashville is such a popular destination. A complete schedule will include so much more we have planned.

Early plans for a Feb. 4-12, 2014 extended tour to Panama and the Panama Canal. A country of lush rainforests, rich history, diverse wildlife and spectacular coastlines.

Our travel plans are available at the Mower County Senior Center. Members will receive their monthly newsletters include more destinations and plans.

Our travel hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Our phone number is 507-438-3946. Our mailing address is 1002 16th St. SW. Austin, Mn. 55912