It’s September, and I haven’t even done all the things I was going to do in August — or July, for that matter. We’re going with friends to visit mutual friends at their summer place in Minnesota next week.
This mini trip could not be worked into all three couples’ calendars before now because of various appointments and other commitments. We are all retired, for heaven’s sake, how can our lives be so busy?
Speaking of busy, summer is always a hectic time at the Mielke Arts Center. First, we had our summer musical, “Clue.” Next on the calendar was the annual Folk Music Festival in August, which was well-attended, and the musical talent was outstanding.
Monday morning, the day after the festival ended, the kids arrived for the Children’s Theatre Workshop. Mary Madsen, my co-coordinator for the workshop, agrees with me that this year was better than ever. Great kids with imagination and talent, plus two wonderful directors, made for a fun-filled week and a colorful “Wizard of Oz” show on Saturday. We had 39 kids take part this year, and an enthusiastic audience of 120 relatives and friends watching them perform in Oz.
We look forward to next year’s workshop, when the kids will perform their version of “The Lion King.” We thank the Egan Family Foundation for again supporting this program.
“The Devil and Daniel Webster” is our fall production, directed by the husband-and-wife team, Mary and Tom Madsen. It’s a dramedy, telling the story of a man named Jabez, who is down on his luck and falls for an offer made by the devil to change his life around. It works, and all is well for Jabez until the devil returns and it’s payback time. Jabez calls on Daniel Webster for help. What defense will he have against the devil? See for yourself by attending the play, which opens on Oct. 8 and runs for two weekends, ending Oct. 18. Call for tickets and information at 715-526-2525, or order online at our website, www.shawanoarts.com.
Make a note on your calendar to attend the first ever Merry Mielke Christmas Art & Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Cheryl Folkerts, 715-745-6222, for info or to be a vendor. Besides the vendors with gift ideas and artwork for sale, there will be carolers and other surprises. Santa will be there, and he’ll be happy to have his picture taken with the kids — or Mom!
You can always call me at 715-823-6237 or Mary Madsen, president of the Shawano County Arts Council and guild, at 715-787-4130 with any questions regarding what’s going on at the Mielke! We want to hear from our patrons and supporters and welcome your input.
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