Performers hope Warren's Robins Theatre inspires next generation of artists

After more than two years of renovations, the historic Robins Theatre in downtown Warren is officially back in business.

A grand re-opening was held Thursday night. The ribbon-cutting included the son of the woman who cut the ribbon when the theatre first opened back in 1923. There was also recognition for the crew who worked tirelessly to get the theatre in pristine condition and looking like it did 97 years ago.

As for the performers, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was the headliner, but special guests included three national acts, all with local ties.

"I've always admired the architecture of downtown Warren and all of its beauty," said pianist Dana Morgan. "I've never seen this, it's a first time for me, and I'm loving it."

Dana Morgan is a concert pianist who recently was a special guest artist in France.

"It just gives me so much joy to see the elegance and sophistication and class that Warren has always had and to see it manifest at the Robins Theatre," said Morgan.

Cheryl Warfield is a nationally renowned and professional opera singer.

"This is thrilling for me," said Warfield. "I came in from New York City where I now live, but I grew up in Warren, and Warren was a special place to be able to grow up. I'm a professional opera singer, and I credit growing up in Warren, the Warren school system, and all of the different teachers that I had to enable me to have the career that I've had."

Rocking out the night was guitarist and singer/songwriter Dennis Drummond, who appeared on season 13 of "The Voice."

"This is such a great place, and having it in downtown Warren is so cool," said Drummond.

All say it's great to be able to perform where they grew up and believe this venue can be a real catalyst for inspiring the next generation of artists.

"To be able to grow up in a town and to have a theatre to come to periodically will be amazing," said Warfield. "It will inspire the next opera singers, the next American Idols, the next pianists that Warren has to offer, and I'm looking forward to seeing them."

More shows are coming up this weekend and go all way through 2020. Just go to the Robins Theatre website to see what shows have been booked and buy tickets.