We’ve left another year behind and 2015 is here!
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been writing this column for 10 years and have been on this earth for almost 75!
In my first column, in January 2005, I introduced readers to the Mielke Arts Center and The Box in the Wood Theatre Guild. The guild has been around since 1995, formed by Dennis Brei after the musical production “Camelot.” Cheryl Folkerts and I were members of the charter group, and we’re still hanging in there after 20 years.
Also in my first article, I featured the show “Play On,” directed by the late Joanne Cowen. I’ll never forget her. She taught me so much about acting and directing, as well as being a dear friend. A wooden bench in the hall by the dressing rooms is dedicated to her memory. Looking back is bittersweet.
Our next show, “M*A*S*H,” is a wartime comedy. Most everyone remembers the TV show of the same name. The play is adapted by Tim Kelly from the book by Richard Hooker. The cast consists of 15 men and 13 women. Auditions were held Jan. 13-15, and the cast is expected to be chosen by Jan. 21. If you missed the auditions and want to try out for a part, call Nathaniel Madsen, director, at 715-853-6934 as soon as possible.
The play will be presented from April 23-26 and April 30 to May 13. We will have four performances each week, which includes Thursday evening, due to popular request.
Part of the excitement for “M*A*S*H” is that we will have the AMVETS Post 10 of Shawano join us for an opening night ceremony. They have also purchased 150 tickets for their members to attend on that night. We salute you and thank you!
The Shawano Arts & Crafts Fair is on Sunday, July 26, and chairperson Cheryl Folkerts has already begun her mailing and advertising for artists and craft vendors. If you are a local artist or crafter and interested in participating, call Cheryl at 715745-6222.
Our successful Children’s Theatre Workshop will be held again in 2015, with directors Joe Engels and Megan Lisowe. The Egan Family Foundation has again shown their support for this project by awarding us with a grant to cover the expenses. We are so thankful.
With last year’s overwhelming number of 42 kids participating, we are considering having two workshops. However, this will be based on preregistration only. Last year the walk-ins brought the number past the usual class limit, but we didn’t turn anyone away. However, this year we will accept only those kids who preregister. A mailing to all the participants from last year will go out in February, and a notice will be in the newspapers. We hope to have the registration form on our website by that time, too.
The workshop will take place from Aug. 10-15. Call me at 715-823-6237 for more information. The fee is still $10 for the week (scholarships are available), and the workshops will again be held from 6-8:30 p.m. More details later!
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