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Performances for this month

(does not include auditions or special events – see This Week’s Events below or the calendar page for full listing)

Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Thu, October 17, 2024 11:45 AM

The Jewels of deNial present “Which Witch is Which?”

October brings thoughts of witches, ghosts and goblins. When you’re in your retirement years, October also is decision time for your Medicare Advantage plan, which can be even scarier. See how these two topics come together with the Jewels of denial’s next episode of “Which Witch is Witch”. Lunch Shows: Thursday October 17 Saturday October 19 Lunch starts at 11:45 Show at 1:00 Dinner Show: Friday October 18 Dinner at 5:45 Show at 7:00 Tickets: Lunch and Show $28 Dinner and Show $30 Show only $15
Dassel History Center
Thu, October 17, 2024 07:00 PM
by Nell Benjamin London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship.
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Fri, October 18, 2024 05:45 PM

The Jewels of deNial present “Which Witch is Which?”

October brings thoughts of witches, ghosts and goblins. When you’re in your retirement years, October also is decision time for your Medicare Advantage plan, which can be even scarier. See how these two topics come together with the Jewels of denial’s next episode of “Which Witch is Witch”. Lunch Shows: Thursday October 17 Saturday October 19 Lunch starts at 11:45 Show at 1:00 Dinner Show: Friday October 18 Dinner at 5:45 Show at 7:00 Tickets: Lunch and Show $28 Dinner and Show $30 Show only $15
Dassel History Center
Fri, October 18, 2024 07:00 PM
by Nell Benjamin London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship.
Marshall-Lyon County Library
Fri, October 18, 2024 07:00 PM
A radio play

book and lyrics by Ryan Neely
music by Brent Bain

In this hysterical “War of the Worlds” radio parody, aliens have invaded Earth, and boy, are they rude!

A regularly scheduled radio program is interrupted by news of explosions on Mars, followed by reports of objects falling to Earth in a rural California county. Local fears of aliens are confirmed when the strange objects turn out to be spaceships! A Martian leader arises from the wreckage and is as clear as the stars in the sky about its plans for mass annihilation! But the courageous and determined townsfolk won’t be obliterated that easily. “We are fighting back,” says reporter Wally Hays, “and it’s awesome!”
Pipestone Performing Arts Center
Fri, October 18, 2024 07:30 PM
by Maxwell Anderson The scene is a small Southern town where Colonel and Christine Penmark live with their daughter, Rhoda. Little Rhoda Penmark is the evil queen of the story. On the surface she is sweet, charming, full of old-fashioned graces, loved by her parents, admired by all her elders. But Rhoda’s mother has an uneasy feeling about her. When one of Rhoda’s schoolmates is mysteriously drowned at a picnic, Mrs. Penmark is alarmed. For the boy who was drowned was the one who had won the penmanship medal that Rhoda felt she deserved.
Northfield Arts Guild Theatre
Fri, October 18, 2024 07:30 PM
book by Alan Jay Lerner music by Fredrick Loewe lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like a proper lady, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish. This tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady features one of musical theatre’s greatest scores, including: “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “With a Little Bit of Luck,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Sat, October 19, 2024 11:45 AM

The Jewels of deNial present “Which Witch is Which?”

October brings thoughts of witches, ghosts and goblins. When you’re in your retirement years, October also is decision time for your Medicare Advantage plan, which can be even scarier. See how these two topics come together with the Jewels of denial’s next episode of “Which Witch is Witch”. Lunch Shows: Thursday October 17 Saturday October 19 Lunch starts at 11:45 Show at 1:00 Dinner Show: Friday October 18 Dinner at 5:45 Show at 7:00 Tickets: Lunch and Show $28 Dinner and Show $30 Show only $15
Marshall-Lyon County Library
Sat, October 19, 2024 02:00 PM
A radio play

book and lyrics by Ryan Neely
music by Brent Bain

In this hysterical “War of the Worlds” radio parody, aliens have invaded Earth, and boy, are they rude!

A regularly scheduled radio program is interrupted by news of explosions on Mars, followed by reports of objects falling to Earth in a rural California county. Local fears of aliens are confirmed when the strange objects turn out to be spaceships! A Martian leader arises from the wreckage and is as clear as the stars in the sky about its plans for mass annihilation! But the courageous and determined townsfolk won’t be obliterated that easily. “We are fighting back,” says reporter Wally Hays, “and it’s awesome!”
Dassel History Center
Sat, October 19, 2024 07:00 PM
by Nell Benjamin London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship.
Marshall-Lyon County Library
Sat, October 19, 2024 07:00 PM
A radio play

book and lyrics by Ryan Neely
music by Brent Bain

In this hysterical “War of the Worlds” radio parody, aliens have invaded Earth, and boy, are they rude!

A regularly scheduled radio program is interrupted by news of explosions on Mars, followed by reports of objects falling to Earth in a rural California county. Local fears of aliens are confirmed when the strange objects turn out to be spaceships! A Martian leader arises from the wreckage and is as clear as the stars in the sky about its plans for mass annihilation! But the courageous and determined townsfolk won’t be obliterated that easily. “We are fighting back,” says reporter Wally Hays, “and it’s awesome!”
Pipestone Performing Arts Center
Sat, October 19, 2024 07:30 PM
by Maxwell Anderson The scene is a small Southern town where Colonel and Christine Penmark live with their daughter, Rhoda. Little Rhoda Penmark is the evil queen of the story. On the surface she is sweet, charming, full of old-fashioned graces, loved by her parents, admired by all her elders. But Rhoda’s mother has an uneasy feeling about her. When one of Rhoda’s schoolmates is mysteriously drowned at a picnic, Mrs. Penmark is alarmed. For the boy who was drowned was the one who had won the penmanship medal that Rhoda felt she deserved.
Northfield Arts Guild Theatre
Sat, October 19, 2024 07:30 PM
book by Alan Jay Lerner music by Fredrick Loewe lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like a proper lady, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish. This tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady features one of musical theatre’s greatest scores, including: “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “With a Little Bit of Luck,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Pipestone Performing Arts Center
Sun, October 20, 2024 02:00 PM
by Maxwell Anderson The scene is a small Southern town where Colonel and Christine Penmark live with their daughter, Rhoda. Little Rhoda Penmark is the evil queen of the story. On the surface she is sweet, charming, full of old-fashioned graces, loved by her parents, admired by all her elders. But Rhoda’s mother has an uneasy feeling about her. When one of Rhoda’s schoolmates is mysteriously drowned at a picnic, Mrs. Penmark is alarmed. For the boy who was drowned was the one who had won the penmanship medal that Rhoda felt she deserved.
Dassel History Center
Sun, October 20, 2024 02:00 PM
by Nell Benjamin London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship.
Northfield Arts Guild Theatre
Sun, October 20, 2024 02:00 PM
book by Alan Jay Lerner music by Fredrick Loewe lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like a proper lady, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish. This tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady features one of musical theatre’s greatest scores, including: “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “With a Little Bit of Luck,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Thu, October 24, 2024 07:00 PM
Adapted from the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, The Frog Prince combines song, dance, and comedy with the story of a young prince who has been turned into a frog by an evil witch. Add to the cast of characters a young princess whom no one can understand because she, too, lives under a witch’s spell, three singing frogs, a pet snake who has a taste for frogs, a solemn king, and a silly court jester. Songs range from the haunting ballad, ‘How I Became A Frog,’ to the rousing finale, ‘Happy Ending.’
Steele County History Center
Fri, October 25, 2024 06:30 PM
book by Michael Druce After years of trying unsuccessfully, the small town of Mynute, Alaska, finally lands the famous Mother Mabel’s Pie Baking Competition — but it was all due to a typo mistaking Mynute for Minot! The contest looks to be a disaster with no media or publicity. To add to the tension, one of the contestants is writing a tell-all book about the seamy side of competitive pie baking. Making matters even worse, just hours before the competition begins, the pie judge goes missing. When he turns up dead while the audience is bidding for the pies, the characters turn on each other as they try to figure out who committed the murder.
Winona Public Library
Fri, October 25, 2024 07:00 PM
book by Laura Teasdale
sponsored by Louise Penny

a benefit for the Friends of the Winona Public Library

The town of Two Spruce is about to lose their beloved library. A team of volunteer actors come to its financial rescue by staging a murder mystery. But on opening night a real murder most foul threatens to thwart their theatrical aspirations. Lucy the Librarian and a team of quirky volunteer actors scramble to solve the crime before the curtain rises and the library is lost forever.
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Fri, October 25, 2024 07:00 PM
Adapted from the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, The Frog Prince combines song, dance, and comedy with the story of a young prince who has been turned into a frog by an evil witch. Add to the cast of characters a young princess whom no one can understand because she, too, lives under a witch’s spell, three singing frogs, a pet snake who has a taste for frogs, a solemn king, and a silly court jester. Songs range from the haunting ballad, ‘How I Became A Frog,’ to the rousing finale, ‘Happy Ending.’
Northfield Arts Guild Theatre
Fri, October 25, 2024 07:30 PM
book by Alan Jay Lerner music by Fredrick Loewe lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like a proper lady, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish. This tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady features one of musical theatre’s greatest scores, including: “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “With a Little Bit of Luck,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Sat, October 26, 2024 03:00 PM
book by Flip Kobler & Cindy Marcus

Cue the lightning! Cue the thunder! It’s monster mayhem in this frightfully fun comedy! Transylvania High School is where the kids of all the classic monster movie villains go to learn the tricks of the trade. There are vampires, mummies, werewolves, zombies, witches, Frankenstein’s daughter, the Invisible Man’s son, and even the Phantom of the Opera’s kid, all of them struggling to live up to their parents’ legendary examples. From science fair projects to cliques, these monsters struggle with the same stresses as typical teenagers. When a group of human high school students stumbles upon the monster school thanks to a broken down bus, utter mayhem ensues. Far more silly than spooky, this comedy delivers both loads of laughs and a gentle message about befriending those who are different from us.

Children’s Hayloft Players is a fall production for children in grades 1-9 to learn and grow within the theatre arts.
Encore Performing Arts Center
Sat, October 26, 2024 07:00 PM
Featuring the three 20-minute plays performed at Fast*Fest:
  • Anniversary Season a comedy by Jenny Lynn Bader
  • The Spot a comedy by Steven Dietz
  • The Door a drama by Paul Elliott
This is a fundraiser for our building expansion project. Admission: Free will offering Please call the box office at 218-878-0071 or go on-line at www.CountySeatTheater.com to reserve your seat.
Winona Public Library
Sat, October 26, 2024 07:00 PM
book by Laura Teasdale
sponsored by Louise Penny

a benefit for the Friends of the Winona Public Library

The town of Two Spruce is about to lose their beloved library. A team of volunteer actors come to its financial rescue by staging a murder mystery. But on opening night a real murder most foul threatens to thwart their theatrical aspirations. Lucy the Librarian and a team of quirky volunteer actors scramble to solve the crime before the curtain rises and the library is lost forever.
Sat, October 26, 2024 07:00 PM
book by Flip Kobler & Cindy Marcus

Cue the lightning! Cue the thunder! It’s monster mayhem in this frightfully fun comedy! Transylvania High School is where the kids of all the classic monster movie villains go to learn the tricks of the trade. There are vampires, mummies, werewolves, zombies, witches, Frankenstein’s daughter, the Invisible Man’s son, and even the Phantom of the Opera’s kid, all of them struggling to live up to their parents’ legendary examples. From science fair projects to cliques, these monsters struggle with the same stresses as typical teenagers. When a group of human high school students stumbles upon the monster school thanks to a broken down bus, utter mayhem ensues. Far more silly than spooky, this comedy delivers both loads of laughs and a gentle message about befriending those who are different from us.

Children’s Hayloft Players is a fall production for children in grades 1-9 to learn and grow within the theatre arts.
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Sat, October 26, 2024 07:00 PM
Adapted from the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, The Frog Prince combines song, dance, and comedy with the story of a young prince who has been turned into a frog by an evil witch. Add to the cast of characters a young princess whom no one can understand because she, too, lives under a witch’s spell, three singing frogs, a pet snake who has a taste for frogs, a solemn king, and a silly court jester. Songs range from the haunting ballad, ‘How I Became A Frog,’ to the rousing finale, ‘Happy Ending.’
Northfield Arts Guild Theatre
Sat, October 26, 2024 07:30 PM
book by Alan Jay Lerner music by Fredrick Loewe lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like a proper lady, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish. This tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady features one of musical theatre’s greatest scores, including: “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “With a Little Bit of Luck,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Northfield Arts Guild Theatre
Sun, October 27, 2024 02:00 PM
book by Alan Jay Lerner music by Fredrick Loewe lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like a proper lady, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish. This tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady features one of musical theatre’s greatest scores, including: “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “With a Little Bit of Luck,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Winona Public Library
Sun, October 27, 2024 02:00 PM
book by Laura Teasdale
sponsored by Louise Penny

a benefit for the Friends of the Winona Public Library

The town of Two Spruce is about to lose their beloved library. A team of volunteer actors come to its financial rescue by staging a murder mystery. But on opening night a real murder most foul threatens to thwart their theatrical aspirations. Lucy the Librarian and a team of quirky volunteer actors scramble to solve the crime before the curtain rises and the library is lost forever.
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Sun, October 27, 2024 02:00 PM
Adapted from the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, The Frog Prince combines song, dance, and comedy with the story of a young prince who has been turned into a frog by an evil witch. Add to the cast of characters a young princess whom no one can understand because she, too, lives under a witch’s spell, three singing frogs, a pet snake who has a taste for frogs, a solemn king, and a silly court jester. Songs range from the haunting ballad, ‘How I Became A Frog,’ to the rousing finale, ‘Happy Ending.’
Hilltop Hall
Sun, October 27, 2024 04:00 PM
On eight Sundays during the year, there’s a little bit of magic in Montgomery, Minnesota.  (There are no shows in January, February, July and December.) Early in the afternoon, a two-story brick building with “1892” inscribed near the peak of its roof opens its doors, and the aroma of fresh buttered popcorn beckons from the second story. Music and laughter echo throughout the vintage concert hall as musicians rehearse and patrons begin to stroll in and claim seats. Promptly at 4 pm, the fun begins. Led by proprietor John Grimm, a troupe of performers gathers on stage to join in a lively theme song during which members are introduced. For the next two hours, guests enjoy a diverse mix of music and entertainment ranging from popular standards to concert hall classics; from goofy comedy and colorful costumes to inspirational gospel and harmonic collaborations. At intermission, fresh piping-hot pizza from Pizzeria 201 is available for two bucks a slice, served with friendly smiles at “Shannon’s Snack Bar” (the kitchenette at the back of the hall). The regular troupe members hail from Green Isle, Montgomery, New Prague, Northfield, and Rosemount; guest performers occasionally appear as well. The audience, which generally numbers between 75 and 150, consists mainly of self-proclaimed “groupies” that have made this event a regular ritual. Buses often arrive from distant locations, and since the series began in March of 2012, faithful guests have become acquainted and enjoy mingling at intermission. First-time visitors are generally mesmerized by the warm splendor of the hall, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Host John Grimm purchased the building in the early 1990’s “to save a significantly historic building” and “to create a place where local folks could perform.”
Hive Collaborative
Thu, October 31, 2024 07:30 PM
book by John Weidman music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim In this darkly humorous musical revue, Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and John Weidman (book) depict nine misfit men and women who set out to assassinate American Presidents. Though only some were successful, all left their mark on American history. While every nation has its assassins and would-be assassins, only in America, the authors suggest, do disturbed and disturbing individuals act not because they hope to influence national politics, but because they are wrapped up in a malignant sense of entitlement. Feeling betrayed by the failed promise of American democracy and the American Dream, they strike out at the symbol for America: the American President. Assassins spans several musical styles and many decades in a dizzying series of musical and theatrical inventions that culminate in the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

The Minnesota Association of Community Theatres (MACT) is a statewide, volunteer run organization. We hold meetings, workshops, festivals and other events throughout the state of Minnesota.

 MACT operates on a two year cycle.  In even numbered years we put on FAST*Fest, a non-adjudicated festival of 20-minute plays.  In odd numbered years we produce MACT*Fest, which is an adjudicated festival of 60-minute plays which is part of the AACTFest cycle.  Along with the performances at our festivals there are workshops and networking events.

Click here to sign up for our e-newsletter of upcoming events

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