Area’s ‘College Inn’ returns

Those who recall Thibodaux’s College Inn, those who heard stories of the onetime gambling and performance hall, and those who should have the opportunity to experience some of the best music of the late 1950s and early 1960s, can now do so at the Ellender Country Club in Houma.

Lorna & Bernadette, formerly South Louisiana Casting and Production Co., presents “A Night at the College Inn,” on Nov. 25, 26 at 8 p.m., with a matinee offered on Nov. 27 at 2 p.m.

This dinner theatre experience features a full meal and even fuller serving of memorable tunes from one of those rare musical periods that saw the coming together of rock n’ roll, rhythm and blues, jazz and pop.

“People from as far as Texas and Mississippi came to the College Inn on weekends in the ’50s and ’60s,” co-producer Bernadette Dugas said. “Ray Charles played there. So did Tommy Dorsey, Fats Domino and a lot of local artists like Ernie Caddo, Benny Spellman and Irma Thomas was really big.”

Dugas said the stage performance is intended to bring back a unique period feeling when one could not help but move to the music. “It is music you really don’t get to hear too much anymore,” she said.

“We have a seven piece band (Blue Eyed Soul Review) and seven singers who are going to be singing all these wonderful songs.”

The College Inn opened in 1947 and, according to Dugas, closed in 1967. During the November 2011 performances, tributes to original artists will revive a period of when music was music and entertainment was an event.

To experience “A Night at the College Inn,” reservations for the $58 dinner and show tickets can be made by calling (985) 227-7574.