EAST SIDE STORY -- Theatre du Mississippi

playwright: Lynn Nankivil
director: Daniel Munson
sets: Shari Schuh & Erica Thibodeaux
costumes: Cynthia Jennings
lights: Fluffy Blake
sound: Daryl lanz

Winona, Minnesota, 1918.  Two teenagers want to be together, but their families are from counties which are now at war. 

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Held at the Masonic Lodge in Winona, this play features some of the beautiful scenic drops that have been featured in the "Drops & Drama" productions.  The art is fantastic, and their condition is 'fair.'

The play also featured two rotating houses.  The design was simple but effective.  The 'balcony' scene elicited a chuckle from the audience who were probably not expecting 'Juliet' to appear in the upstairs window of her house.

The costumes seemed fine.  Nothing stood out as inappropriate or too wild.

The lighting was quite attractive.  I've seen Fluffy Bake's work before and it's always been a notch above the rest.

The story seemed ... non-compelling.  I'm not sure whose story was being told.  Of all the characters and stories, the most intriguing was that of 'Josephine' and hers was incomplete.  The difference between the fathers and their 'showdown' at the end of the first half was strong, but it didn't develop or go anywhere (and ended too neatly at the dance).

The performances all seemed quite strong, particularly for a community theatre-type performance.  A remarkable assortment of talent.

A fun show, worth seeing.

DOGSBREATH DEVEREAUX, THE DASTARDLY DOCTOR, OR NURSES! FOILED AGAIN!! -- R-P Drama Club

playwright: Billy St. John
director: Forrest Musselman

A melodrama/farce about a doctor trying to get rich.

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A rather typical farce from a high school.  A little over-acting, lots of wackiness and plenty of fun.

Not a classic, but not intended to be.  Just fun for the sake of fun.

LOVE SONG -- Winona State University

playwright: John Kolvenbach
director: Siobhan Bremer
scenic & lighting design: Peggy Sannerud
costume design: Ruby Oian
cast: Ethan Jensen, Molly Daun, Justin Atkinson, Samantha Heaver, Corrin Carlson

A woman tries to find the love she had with her husband, while her brother finds love in a most unusual place.

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I found the actual script for this piece rather pathetic. There is no real dramatic conflict and the changes in the characters come about rapidly, without any real build. And while I am not offended by 'strong' language, I did find the "f"-word to be used much more than was necessary. I understand that it's supposed to be 'real' language, but it felt forced, not real. Perhaps this was, in part, the actors' uncomfortability with the language, but I do think it's primarily the writing.

The character of "Molly" was much too indistinct. While it's part of who she is (indistinct), she created more confusion than she prompted discussion. Joan and Harry's relationship never seemed clear enough to follow and neither was really likeable enough to care about. Only Beane seemed worthy of following.

I 'get' the concept of why this is called "Love Song," but still, it seems weak. A real stretch.

I thought the set was nice and the costumes appropriate. The best actor was probably the waitress. She just seemed honest in the role and didn't try to create something that wasn't there. Beane was my next favorite. He did seem to understand who the character was and worked well within the framework that the playwright had given him.

Overall, this was not a play I would choose to see again.

MOVIES & MUSIC -- Rushford-Peterson Senior High Band

Rushford-Peterson High School Theatre

An assortment of band music with a movie theme.

"Jazz It Up!" -- arr. Victor Lopez
     "Sing Sing Sing" - Louis Prima
     "It Don't mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing)" - Duke Ellington
     "La Suerte de los Tontos" - Juan Ricardo Cascales
     "The Jazz Police" - Gordon Goodwin
"Bella's Lullaby" -- arr. Edward lee
Selections from The Rolling Stongs -- arr. Michael Story
     "Jumpin' Jack Flash"
     "Get Off of My Cloud"
     "Ruby Tuesday"
     "Paint It Blck"
     "I Can't Get no Satisfaction"
"JAI HO" -- arr. Michael Brown
"COLDPLAY ON STAGE" -- arr. Michael Brown
     "Clocks"
     "Lost!"
     "Viva La Vida"
"THE DARK KNIGHT" -- arr. Douglas Wagner
"Taylor Swift In Concert" -- arr. Michael Brown

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Some exciting music, moderately well played. 

It's early in the school season and it seems that nearly half the band is made up of freshmen, so it wasn't the highest quality, but still a fun program.

TWO BY TWO - Winona State University

music: Richard Rodgers
lyrics: Martin Charnin
book: Peter Stone
based on the play The Flowering Peach by Clifford Odets.

The story of Noah and the ark, slightly modernized, with music.

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Although I'm fairly familiar with MANY musicals, especially those by familiar musical-makers, this was not a show that I was aware of. And there are reasons for it.

The music was generally fun, with a nice assortment of ballads and quickly moving songs, humorous and dramatic. Though even so, none of the songs were particularly memorable. nothing that makes one sing it again on the car ride home.

But the music wasn't the problem.

The problem here is the story. There's no real climax, which isn't surprising, since there's no real conflict. We know how the story is going to end before we go into it, and while they try to introduce a few little plot twists, it generally doesn't pan out to much.

The performances here at Winona State University were generally pretty good. No one stood out as not being able to carry their role, and in fact some were quite outstanding. The directing was a bit weak. The actors seemed to wander around the stage for no purpose.

And while I'm glad to have seen it, I'm not likely to seek it out should it be playing anywhere near.

DALLAS BRASS: AMERICAN MUSICAL JOURNEY -- Gale-Ettrick High School

Gale-Ettrick-Tremepealeau Performings Arts Center, Galesville, WI

Michael Levine - trombone/director
Brian Neal - trumpet
D.J. Barraclough - trumpet/alto horn
Charles Porter - trumpet/alto horn
Clint McCanless - tuba
Jeff Handel - percussion

An evening of wonderful music, wonderfully played. One number was played with the G-E-T Middle School Band and one number played with the G-E-T High School band.

*****

This was an absolutely delightful evening of music. The Dallas Brass are definitely accomplished musicians, but they set themselves apart from other talented brass groups in a couple of ways.

First, they work and perform directly with students. Perhaps this isn't totally unusual, but there is definitely a sense that these performers really enjoy working with the youngsters. Michael Levine phrased it very nicely when he reminded the audience that each of them had once been students with band teachers who encouraged them as well.

Second, the addition of percussion really added a nice element to the music. I think that it actually helped us hear the tuba more as the tuba wasn't totally relegated to the role of keeping the beat.

But the addition of percussion wasn't the sole factor that worked well here. The fact that Jeff Handel was the percussionist is what added to the show. Mr. Handel truly seemed to enjoy making music. His enthusiasm was infectious, and we couldn't help but enjoy ourselves because we could see how much he was enjoying playing.

A real delightful evening.

FALLEN ANGELS -- Saint Mary's University

playwright: Noel Coward
director: Judy Myers
set designer: Kit Mayer
light designer: Kirstin "Fluffy" Blake
costume designer: Caitlin Murphy
cast: Caitlin Murphy, Jhardon Milton, Claire Murphy, Andrew Russell, Allison Fisch, Rick Baustian

Two, well-to-do, married women come unglued when they get word that Maurice, a man with whom they both have had an affair with (prior to being married) is in town and wants to meet with them.

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Although this isn't the most popular of Coward's plays, there's still an obvious Noel Coward-ness about it, which is what makes it work.  And what is that Noel Coward-ness....?  The ability to work the English language with delightful characters in a comedy of manners.

The production was fine.  The set was gorgeous, and the lighting appropriate.  The acting was generally fine -- about average for a college production.  The young women did quite an admirable job and really held their own.  The men playing their husbands were much too feminine to be believable -- I still don't know if that was intentional ... to suggest reasons for the marriage troubles (and I have read that some suggest that the men were having their own affair with each other), or if it is a result of the actors who were cast.  In either case, it wasn't helpful.

Still...a delightful production of a rarely seen play.

THE VELDT -- Rushford-Peterson High School

Rushford-Peterson High School Theatre

script: Ray Bradbury
director: Forrest Musselman
cast: Andy Mackenzie, Shelby Norstad, Alex Courrier, Kate Mackenzie, Stephanie Wick, John Klungtvedt

A 'Twilight Zone'-ish story where man gets what he deserves when relying on technology to to raise his children. George Hadley buys the latest technology, a room which brings forth whatever the user in the room can think of. The room becomes the nanny for the spoiled Hadley children

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I thought that this performance went well. The technology used seemed to time out well and not be too distracting.

Some of the acting was still a bit weak. Understandably, these are still high school students (at least one a junior high student), but they still need to know the basics -- being audible, don't mumble, and don't upstage yourself.

Some of the performances were surprisingly strong. At least two were too weak, which could hurt them in competition.

An enjoyable evening of theatre, though.

SHAKESPEARE FOR YOUNG ACTORS: Season 2 -- Winona State University

Twelve teenagers, under the leadership of Andrew Carlson and Nick Minas, perform scenes from William Shakespeare's work.

Great River Shakes sponsors as part of an educational setting.

Scenes and monologues from:
As you Like It
Cymbeline
Henry IV, Part I
Julius Caesar
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Much Ado About Nothing
Othello
Richard III
Romeo and Juliet
Twelfth Night
The Winter's Tale

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These extremely talented youth put on a great show. Some of the kids were a little bit stronger than others, but over-all, it was very impressive! A delight to see!

DROPS & DRAMA V: Tales of Shaharazad -- Theatre du Mississippi

Masonic Lodge, Winona, MN

In five scenes, twenty-two historic, hand-painted drops are displayed. Readings from Shaharazad, and belly dancing, tie the story together.

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The drops are fascinating and absolutely fabulous. The detail is incredible, and seems almost a shame that they were 'hidden' -- used for Masonic rituals, rather than for public theatre performances.

The story put together to display the drops is generally pointless, though I do understand that most people won't just sit to look at the art. Still, a little more time to see the drops withOUT overweight belly dancers blocking the view might be nice, too.

CANADIAN BRASS -- Minnesota Beethoven Festival

Somsen Auditorium, Winona State University

Charles Daellenbach, tuba
Eugene Watts, trombone
Jeff Nelsen, horn
Manon Lafrance, trumpet
Joe Burgstaller, trumpet

The talented brass quintet performing from their excellent repertoire.

Claudio Monteverdi: Orfeo Suite
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzona per Sonare
Johann Sebastian Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Bramwell Tovey: Santa Barbara Sonata (Cakewalk on a Tightrope; Preacher on the Pier; Magic Horn Tango; State Street Stomp)
Luther Henderson and Christopher Dedrick: Tribute to Louis Armstrong
Beatles: Penny Lane; Yesterday; Come Together
Ludwig van Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Op. 13, 2nd movement
Peter Schickele: Hornsmoke, A Horse Opera in One Act

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The French woman, Manon, was not with the group this evening, instead, a young man who looked barely out of college was the second trumpet player. He was quite good and seemed to be getting a workout, playing many of the more difficult trumpet pieces, with Joe Burgstaller taking a lesser role.

While the young man was very good and definitely held his own among this group, I missed Burgstaller's amazing speed and finesse.

The evening was delightful, as expected, though there were fewer 'comic' moments. We had taken the kids this time, as we regretted NOT taking them two years ago. I think that everyone appreciated the evening, even though the boys generally won't admit to enjoying anything.

THE DALY NEWS -- Great River Shakespeare Festival

script: Jonathan Gillard Daly
music: Gregg Coffin, Larry Delinger & Jonathan Gillard Daly
director: C. Michael Wright
costumes: Ellen Kozak
lights: Timothy Otte
cast: Jonathan Gillard Daly, Jack Forbes Wilson, Jeff Schaetzke

During World War II, Martin Daly (Jonathan's grandfather) sent out a regular newsletter to all of his children to keep them all aprised of what each was doing as all of them were in the Service and scattered about the globe. Those newsletetrs become the script for this intimate musical about family and duty.

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A fantastic, funny, and moving show in which three multi-talented performers easily take on a number of different roles.

Listening to the actual words, written by Martin Daly is a moving experience, and hearing of the death of a family friend is a moving experience, made even more touching by Martin's recognizing how fortunate he was to have all his family members survive the war.

All three performers are remarkably moving and talented.

A wonderful performance, and one well worth experiencing.

DEAR JAMES -- Jon Hassler Theater

playwright: Sally Childs
based on the novel by Jon Hassler
director: Sally Childs
cast: Cheryl Frarck, Robert Gardner, Eric Knutson, Coralee Grebe, Joe Ulwelling
set design: Erica Zaffarano, Paul Skattum
lighting: Benjamin Hain
costume: Barb Portinga

Upright, stallwart citizen of Staggerford, Agatha McGee, carries on a platonic relationship with an Irish priest ... which has the tongues of the town wagging.

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I have to admit that I am not familiar with the novel on which this play is based, despite a strong appreciation for Hassler's books, so I can't write at all to the faithfulness of this adaptation.

The story as presented on stage, was well-planned and well-delivered.

Once again I am impressed with the quality of the talent that I see on stage at the Hassler Theatre. Each actor was strong and believable. Eric Knutson, whom I have enjoyed seeing at the Commonweal, was particularly delightful in his role as McGee's handyman. I have to say, though, that I saw the story surprise coming very early in the play.

Sally Childs did an excellent job making use of a nice-looking, functional set which spanned Italy, Ireland, and Staggerford, Minnesota between its proscenium. Father O'Hannnon's office space seemed a bit prominent for how little it was actually used, but there wasn't much more that could really be done about it.

My only 'complaint' was the character of Agatha McGee. Having read two or three Staggerford novels myself, I'd come to a pretty clear picture of the lady in my mind, and Cheryl Frarck wasn't at all what I'd imagined. She did a marvelous job, but she wasn't the 'type' that I had expected.

Still, all in all, it was a wonderful evening of theatre.

TAKE NOTE! 3RD ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT - Rushford Area Society of the Arts

Director: Judy Myers
Featured Soloist: Mariah Helen Ciangiola

An assortment of musical theatre-related songs.

"Put On A Happy Face"
"A Lot of Livin' to Do"
-- Bye, Bye Birdie
"They Call the Wind Maria"
-- Paint Your Wagon
Selections from My Fair Lady
Selections from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
"The Joy of Motherhood"
-- Honk!
Selections from Guys and Dolls
"How Are Things in Glocca Morra?"
-- Finian's Rainbow
"I Got Love"
-- Purlie
Selections from George M

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The typical fare from this small-town group of animated, enthusiastic singers.

Guest singer, Ciangiola, has a beautiful, strong voice.

RUSHFORD-PETERSON SPRING VOCAL CONCERT -- Rushford-Peterson Schools

High School Gym

Directors: Dianna Poppe, Burton Svendsen

High School Choir:
"You'll Be In My Heart"
"Hushabye Mountain"
"Your Song"
"Colors of the Wind"

Grades 4&5
"Oleana"
"Wayfaring Stranger"
"Route 66"
"Follow the Drinking Gourd"
"The Pirate Song"

Grades 1,2, and 3
Feathers, Scales and Furry Tails

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Another, typical school concert. The high school students performed quite well, but could definitely use more male voices in the choir. Although a relatively small group, you can tell that it's a group of people who enjoy doing it.

The fourth and fifth graders are fun to watch. The director gives them plenty of hand-motion action to keep them active and involved. A fun time.

The younger students are always cute. They perform a short musical play, with selected students getting the opportunity to have a speaking or solo role.

A delightful evening.

CHECK, PLEASE 1,2 & 3 -- Rushford-Peterson High School

playwright: Jonathan Rand

The amusing stories of dates-gone-wrong!

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R-P put together three one-act plays to give us one wonderful evening of laughs. The kids did a great job of understanding who they were and putting it across to the audience. Taking all three plays together actually gave us more of a storyline, which was nice. I had not seen 2 & 3 before (though I had read them).

A fun evening.

CELEBRATION OF YOUNG MUSICIANS FESTIVAL -- Minnesota Music Educators

Lanesboro High School

Select students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades from area schools participate in a groups concert. Schools represented were:

Caledonia

Holy Redeemer

LanesboroMabel-Canton

Rushford-Peterson

Songs presented were:

"Oleana" -- Jeanne Julseth-Heinrich

"Wayfaring Stranger" -- Southern American Song (arr. Shelly Cooper)

"Follow the Drinking Gourd" -- Traditional Spiritual (arr. Rollo A. Dilworth)

"Peace on Earth...and lots of little crickets" -- Paul Carey

"Route 66" -- Bobby Troup (arr. Roger Emerson)

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This is the third year in a row that I've been to this concert. I've always enjoyed it. The music is fun and the folk dancing a real treat to watch.

This year's festival was perhaps my least favorite. The singing seemed to go by too fast, without any real energy. The dancing was predictable. I'm sure that I've seen these same dances two years ago.

Still, though, a fun time and a great experience for these students.

A CHORUS LINE -- Saint Mary's University

conceived, originally directed & choreographed by: Michael Bennett
co-choreographed by: Bob Avian
music: Marvin Hamlisch
book: James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante
lyrics: Edward Kleban

director: Judy Myers
music director: Jan Matson
choreographer: Christine Martin
set design: Kit Mayer
lighting designer: Tim Schmall
costume designer: Alice Flo
cast: Alex Gorgone, Jarod Boltjes, Bryan Moore, Darrell Fair, Nick Montecalvo, Matthew Gorgone, Peter Snell, Matt Polum, Tom Conry, Neil Heacox, Krista Hingtgen, Nora Richards, Ali Fisch, Alyssa Schlageter, Maggie Allexsant, Katie Keck, Whitney Rappana, Laura Flicek, Joanna Mills, Nicole Volner, Colleen Joyce, Madeleine Bryant, Allison Johnson, Michelle Cullen, Anna Holley

The musical story of a group of dancers auditioning to be part of the chorus for a new musical.

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I had some trepidation going to see this musical. It is not a story musical, and more than the 'revue' types of shows, this show NEEDS to have strong dancing. Seeing a college production, in a school with no dance major and only a recently-introduced dance minor, I was fearful that the dancing would bring this show down.

Fortunately my fears were mostly unfounded.

This production was nearly as strong now as the touring production I was back in... what?... 1980?

Particularly strong (and it was fortunate that he led the way) was Bryan Moore as "Mike" with his song "I Can Do That." He sang well, danced well, and ended with the nice flip that was needed to conclude the number.

Also strong was Nora Virginia Richards as "Shiela." She had just the right amount of 'bitchy' attitude that she came across exactly the way the character should.

It's hard to pick out who stands out because really, the ensemble was quite good. The dance for Music and the Mirror got more than a little repetitive, but really, if there's any actual 'negative' to the evening it would be the ending.

First...it took too long to happen. The band vamped for quite a long time before the first group of dancers came out, and no one seemed to understand WHO was coming out, so they didn't understand that this was supposed to be the curtain call.

Also...while the costumes generally seemed appropriate, the ending costumes didn't impress and 'wow' the way that I think they usually should.

Still...a really great university production and one which I've recommended!

PRIVATE EYES -- Commonweal Theatre Apprentice Company

playwright: Steven Dietz

A play of deception in which the characters are rehearsing a play. Or are they? Is the affair real, or part of the rehearsal?

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This group of apprentice actors did a phenomenal job bringing the misdirection and questions to the forefront.

Although a simple story, it seemed quite complicated because of Dietz's careful writing. the performances were tight and believable. I'd like to see these apprentices with more stage time!

DANCESCAPE 2009 -- Winona State University

"Tracking"
"Pretty"
"Analyze This"
"My Ena Me"
"Honor the Water"
"Confluence"
"Soy Mi Propia Persona"
"Spider Vs. ..."
"Torn Open"
"Traced Visceral Space"
"Cool"

A collection of short, student dance pieces.

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"Dancescape" is a tradition at Winona State University, though I haven't seen a production since the 1980's, when it had a different name. Still, the basic premise is the same: students and dance teachers choreograph short numbers and put them together in one large production.

I actually enjoyed quite a few of the numbers, for different reasons. Whether it was a nifty idea that was well expanded upon ("Tracking"; "Traced Visceral Space"), or nice choreography and execution ("Soy Mi Propia Persona"; "Cool") it generally had me entranced.

A few numbers fell WELL short of their mark. "My Ena Me" and "Spider Vs..." were not just off-beat, off-the-wall, they lacked a cohesiveness to their pieces.

The 'showcase' number was a dance called "Honor the Water," performed with the In The Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. Sadly, this wasn't even a dance. It was a weak, overly didactic piece of exposition. It was embarassing. It had lots of potential, lots of great masks to work with, but there was no substance. Someone definitely needs to look a little harder at these guest pieces!