Acting runs in the family. My daughter Deanna, granddaughters Tara and Peyton and I drove down to Viroqua to see grandson Ethan in his eighth-grade play, “The Secret Garden.”
Ethan is our daughter Michelle’s son. Michelle is an actress with her community theater group, and a fine one at that. Ethan, who has shot up in height over the past two years, carried off his lofty role of wealthy widower Archibald Craven. If you are familiar with “The Secret Garden,” you know that it is kind of heavy drama, mixed with soulful songs. Not what I’d call eighth-grade fare, but they presented it beautifully. I had seen Ethan in other plays but never heard him sing a solo and duet before, so it was a first! I sat in the front row with tears in my eyes. Another milestone.
Well, “M*A*S*H” has completed its run and joins the list of other successful plays presented by the Box in the Wood Theatre Guild. I salute the cast and directors for a job well done, as well as AMVETS Post 10 of Shawano for sponsoring the opening-night performance.
Now we move on to the summer show, “Clue: The Musical,” to be directed by Brandon Byng. Auditions have been held, the cast chosen and rehearsals have begun. Debra Jolly is the assistant director and choreographer. Early Fuller is the second assistant director, and Tanya Brehner is stage manager.
The characters and cast include Mr. Boddy, played by Ethan Fregien; Mrs. Peacock, Ashley Booth; Professor Plum, Brandon Byng; Miss Scarlet, Amy Doefer; Col. Mustard, Alex Torborg; Mrs. White, Emily Knowlton; Mr. Green, Michael Brunner; the detective, Stephanie Hill; piano player, Tatelyn Ferguson.
I’m sure all of you remember the mystery board game Clue and its characters. The game will now be played on stage, with you, the audience, being a part of it! Show dates are from July 9-12 and July 16-19. Mark your calendars!
Looking ahead a bit, our annual arts and crafts fair will be held Sunday, July 26; Folk Musical Festival, Aug. 7-9; and the Mielke Children’s Theatre Workshop, Aug. 10-15.
Speaking of the children’s workshop, letters and registration forms for this summer’s session were mailed to parents of the children who attended last year, and so far we have received about a dozen applicants. Reminders will be sent via email. However, we are now opening up registrations to the public. If you know of a child age 6-14 who might enjoy attending, pass on this information. Sessions are held from 6-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 10-14, and a performance by the kids will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. All sessions are at the Mielke Arts Center. The registration fee is $10. Call me at 715-823-6237 or send an email to bapella@frontiernet.net for information and registration form.
May is the month to remember mothers. If you are lucky enough to still have yours, be sure to let her know you love her. Take a few minutes out of your busy life and call her. No texting!
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