Davori Productions/Mankato Playhouse
David and Lori Holmes cofounded Davori Productions and began producing plays at the Mankato Playhouse in 2019. Between them, the husband and wife team has 55 years of experience in theatre. Their mission is to bring professional quality entertainment to the community, providing an exceptional experience for audience members and volunteers.
“We saw a need for more theater in the community and wanted to provide a theater experience that Mankato was missing,” David Holmes said.
Davori (a play on the Holmes’ first names, David and Lori) Productions relies on the creativity, passion and inspiration of its board of directors and volunteers to fuel its growth and success. With the exception of each show’s directing team, Mankato Playhouse productions are 100 percent volunteer.
“Mankato Playhouse is an intimate theater with 162 seats. We focus on the experience of our audience to ensure they are attending a quality show,” Holmes said.
The Mankato Playhouse has been a welcome addition to the local entertainment scene, staging dinner theater and theatrical workshops for teens. It also plays host to local and regional bands.
“We produce seven shows per year, mostly musicals. Four of our shows have an optional dinner, and three of our shows are workshops where we help the youth in our community build the skills they need if they want to move on to an acting career or college,” Holmes said.
Looking ahead to the future, Holmes said Davori Productions has big dreams.
“We are already outgrowing our theater. Our ultimate goal is to be in a position to have a theater big enough to bring bigger bands, comedians, and Broadway tours to Mankato.”
The Mankato Playhouse is located in the Mankato Place Mall on Civic Center Plaza in downtown Mankato. Its first 2023 production will be the Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Assassins” in February.
THE ESSENTIALS
Davori Productions/Mankato Playhouse
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1700
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 317-1245
Web: mankatoplayhouse.com
