The Rise and Fall of Akron’s Iconic Carousel Dinner Theater - A Journey Through History

[@SKEggert818]

I was the Head Dishwasher at the Carousel and employee of the show for Annie. The Chef called the kitchen staff into his office on New Years Eve 2008 midnight hit Chef said Happy New Year 2009 we are closing in 4 days 🤯😵‍💫 most of my memories of working there were good I miss my former coworkers and still think about my time there every time I pass the building 😮‍💨

[@dinklifeusa]

Wow, it must have been a surreal experience to witness the final days of the Carousel firsthand. It’s amazing that you were part of the team during that time - those memories and connections with your coworkers must really stick with you. I can imagine passing by the building brings back a lot of nostalgia.

[@SKEggert818]

​​@@dinklifeusawhen the church that took over the Carousel opened I got a flyer in my door at my house about it I asked the people there if I could see how it changed the only thing recognizable from the Carousel was the stage and some of the venting on the ceiling from where the dishwasher was in what used to be the kitchen

[@cbsaywhat...7968]

Thanks for video

[@dinklifeusa]

No problem, thanks so much for watching and for your comment!

[@BrittanyLonardo6516]

I worked at the Carousel dinner theater as a hostess until their last day. I remember we(the staff) didn't even get word we were closing for good within a week till the day of the New Years Eve party 12/31/2008. I really enjoyed working there, it was a mess the next few days into.the first of the year as customers poured in to the box office getting refunds. I know some people got refunds but from what I heard from higher ups is only about 40%/50% of season pass holders actually got a refund. Most people who were season pass holder didn't know they were closing till they were closed. They building was so nice❤ I absolutely loved that employees were able to come in on their off days to experience the dining and enjoy the show. I was fortunate enough to take my son (who was 5-6 yrs old at the time) to the cirque du soleil and the wizard of Oz shows ....he loved them

[@dinklifeusa]

What a great story! It's sad to hear about the final days, but those memories with your son are truly special. Thanks for the comment!

[@Rod-w1j]

Saw some really good concerts there. One of the best was Three Dog Night.They were awsome! Wish things was still as good as those days.

[@dinklifeusa]

It seemed to have some great shows back in the day.

[@DionLab]

I saw Dexys Midnight Runners there in 1983. It's a shame that they're mostly remembered as a one-hit wonder, their live show was fantastic.

[@dinklifeusa]

I bet that was amazing! It sounds like they had some incredible shows there in 1983.

[@straightpipec6099]

Wrestling at the Breakaway. Good stuff.

[@dinklifeusa]

We heard it was big thing there.

[@mollyteresa1197]

I remember watching Annie there in the late 80’s. It was a really good performance.

[@dinklifeusa]

We’ve noticed that a lot of people have fond memories of Annie here. Thanks for your comment!

[@Charles-q4t8y]

Saw Maynard Ferguson there, when it was still called Breakaway...really good acoustics; buried the "Coliseum"😮😂

[@dinklifeusa]

[@Charles-q4t8y]

It was a nice place, always wondered what happened to that joint...

[@dinklifeusa]

@@Charles-q4t8y Same we really didn't know what became after Carousel.

[@rosemarie52871]

I worked at the Carousel in kitchen about ohhhh 35 years ago.

[@dinklifeusa]

Wow ❤!

[@CoreyKinley]

That is my Church believe it or not it is really nice place not only that my Church had English side that is where my Pastor Mark O Donnell preach at and there is other room that haves Spanish Church next too it my second Pastor name is Reago he speak mainly of Spanish and English too both are really nice Pastor.

[@dinklifeusa]

That sounds like a wonderful place with a rich and welcoming community! I hope I did an okay job capturing the building's history - it’s great to hear that the space is still being used and serves both English and Spanish-speaking congregations. It’s clear that both Pastor Mark and Pastor Reago have made a positive impact!