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

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.

Davori Productions/Mankato Playhouse

12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1700

Phone: (507) 317-1245

Web: mankatoplayhouse.com

Sonny + Dot Boutique

Sonny + Dot Boutique takes its name from two of the owners’ family members who left a lasting impression.

“Sonny and Dottie were the living storytellers of the family. They knew everyone’s history and where you came from. They’ve seen it all,” co-owner Amanda Kozitza said. “They left behind a legacy of the true meaning of hard work, dedication and unconditional love. We’ll treasure them always, for they had the wisdom and perspective no one else had.”

This legacy led Kozitza and her mother, Elizabeth Mueller, to follow their dreams and open their own business.

“Together as mother and daughter, we’ve always shared a passion for shopping and fashion. For years we talked about how fun it would be to have our own store and combine our ideas. Then, the opportunity arose, and we jumped at it,” Kozitza said.

Sonny + Dot Boutique opened in 2020 as an online boutique. It grew exponentially and soon required a brick-and-mortar store. The boutique has been operating at its current location on Riverfront Drive in Old Town Mankato since 2021.

As a women’s clothing boutique, Sonny + Dot offers friendly service, fair prices, and styles for sizes XS-3X. It also sells home décor and gifts. The store draws customers primarily from Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa but has visitors from across the country.

“To us, there are many ‘best parts’: watching a customer find a piece they feel great in and are excited to take home, making people smile, and customers that have become friends,” Kozitza said. “We’ve built Sonny + Dot from the ground up, and we’re pretty proud of that.”

All in all, it’s been a satisfying journey for Kozita and Mueller. “We truly enjoy being a part of the community. Our customers mean the world to us, and we’re so thankful for everyone’s support and dedication,” Kozitza said. “Old Town Mankato has been the perfect fit for us, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Sonny + Dot Boutique

511 N Riverfront Dr. Phone: (507) 594-9227

Web: sonnyanddot.com

Facebook: @sonnyanddot