MACT

book by Tom Dudzick Andy has a sweet Catholic mother, a sour Catholic father and an intellectually disabled younger brother named Mickey. When he brings his Jewish atheist fiance to meet the folks on Christmas Eve, his worst fears about family blow-ups are realized. But when Mickey, whose entire vocabulary has been limited to “oh boy” and “wow,” suddenly spouts the word “Greetings!” the entire family’s belief system is turned upside down. For it seems an ancient, wise and witty spirit who is set upon healing the family’s wounds has borrowed Mickey’s body!

by A. R. Gurney The play is set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions. A mosaic of interrelated scenes-some funny, some touching, some rueful-which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species: the upper-middle-class WASP. The actors change roles, personalities and ages as they portray a variety of characters, from little boys to stern grandfathers, from giggling teenage girls to Irish housemaids. Each vignette introduces a new set of people and events; a father lectures his son on grammar and politics; a boy returns from boarding school to discover his mother’s infidelity; a senile grandmother doesn’t recognize her own sons; a daughter, her marriage a shambles, pleads futilely to return home, etc. Dovetailing swiftly and smoothly, the varied scenes coalesce, ultimately, into a theatrical experience of exceptional range, compassionate humor and abundant humanity.

Music and Lyrics by: Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison Book by: Bob Martin and Don Mckellar A man shares with the audience his favorite record – the 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the show comes to life in his apartment. Mix in two lovebirds on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and a sleepy chaperone, and you have the ingredients for a show that will have everyone laughing.

by William Shakespeare

directed by George M. Roesler

“I am going to divide my kingdom.” An irresistible beginning to this classic story about fathers and children, power and possession. Seduced by flattery, King Lear banishes his daughter Cordelia and unknowingly sets in motion a plot of treachery and murder. Shakespeare’s tragedy about the fall and decay of the world, tells a tale of madness, tyranny, loyalty, and love.

book by Tom Dudzick Andy has a sweet Catholic mother, a sour Catholic father and an intellectually disabled younger brother named Mickey. When he brings his Jewish atheist fiance to meet the folks on Christmas Eve, his worst fears about family blow-ups are realized. But when Mickey, whose entire vocabulary has been limited to “oh boy” and “wow,” suddenly spouts the word “Greetings!” the entire family’s belief system is turned upside down. For it seems an ancient, wise and witty spirit who is set upon healing the family’s wounds has borrowed Mickey’s body!

by A. R. Gurney The play is set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions. A mosaic of interrelated scenes-some funny, some touching, some rueful-which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species: the upper-middle-class WASP. The actors change roles, personalities and ages as they portray a variety of characters, from little boys to stern grandfathers, from giggling teenage girls to Irish housemaids. Each vignette introduces a new set of people and events; a father lectures his son on grammar and politics; a boy returns from boarding school to discover his mother’s infidelity; a senile grandmother doesn’t recognize her own sons; a daughter, her marriage a shambles, pleads futilely to return home, etc. Dovetailing swiftly and smoothly, the varied scenes coalesce, ultimately, into a theatrical experience of exceptional range, compassionate humor and abundant humanity.

by William Shakespeare directed by George M. Roesler “I am going to divide my kingdom.” An irresistible beginning to this classic story about fathers and children, power and possession. Seduced by flattery, King Lear banishes his daughter Cordelia and unknowingly sets in motion a plot of treachery and murder. Shakespeare’s tragedy about the fall and decay of the world, tells a tale of madness, tyranny, loyalty, and love.

Music and Lyrics by: Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison Book by: Bob Martin and Don Mckellar A man shares with the audience his favorite record – the 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the show comes to life in his apartment. Mix in two lovebirds on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and a sleepy chaperone, and you have the ingredients for a show that will have everyone laughing.

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.”