Cook County News Herald

Prepping for summer productions





 

 

The Grand Marais Playhouse is abuzz with activity again this year. Fifty community members are busy working on memorizing lines, songs and dances, on costumes, scenery, painting, prepping lights and sound.

This year Grand Marais will produce two shows in repertory again this summer: “Shrek the Musical” and “Mom’s Gift.” Shows will play in repertory weekends from July 19 – August 12. Go to grandmaraisplayhouse.com for complete details.

Shrek The Musical is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animation film; it is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure. With a local cast of 20, the show promises to bring you fabulous entertainment. Cast includes John Hedstrom, Alyssa Hedstrom, Ella Hedstrom, Liv Hedstrom, Thea Hedstrom, Mike Roth, Karina Roth, Amelia Roth, Greta Roth, Kay Fitzgerald, Ari Fitzgerald-Wells, Tina Hegg, Yvonne Block, Juniper Cephalu, Aurora Schelmeske, Kylie Viren, Susan Bragstad, John Bragstad, Jaymie Kirk, Sylvie Hansen, Grace Ritchie.

Shrek the Musical runs July 19, 21, 27, 29, August 2, 4, 10, 12.

Mom’s Gift by Phil Olson is a comedy with a heart. Mom has been dead for 11 months and showed up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. Local actors Aliya Marxen, Gary Latz, Jan Healy, Sarah Waddle, Diane Stoddard and Kevin Kager bring this comedy to life to make you laugh and perhaps cry a little. Performances are July 20, 22, 26, 28, Aug. 3, 5, 9 11.

Tickets for both shows are on sale at grandmaraisplayhouse.com.

The Playhouse has a new face working on the production crew this year. John Mulholland comes to Grand Marais from Reed College in Portland, Oregon. John is the technical assistant for the summer productions and brings a wealth of theater knowledge to the area. The Playhouse is still seeking high school interns for positions in technical theater, stage management and front of the house. Please call if interested.

This year the Playhouse has accepted 14 Incredible Exchange students. These students will learn a skill in all areas of production.

Grand Marais Playhouse Artistic Director Sue Hennessy provides this behind-the-scenes look at Grand Marais Playhouse activities.


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