MACT
The two Best of Fest awards
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Ramsey
26 Pebbles
written by: Eric Ulloa
Cast: Rachel Bohnsack, Ethan Carson, Kellie Cleary, Alex Erchul, Laura Erchul, Webster Ford & Samantha Rosen
Director: Karla Haij
Stage Manager: Rachel Bohnsack
Production Manager: Kolie Shaw
Sound Design: Scott Niederkorn
Light Design: Everette Parker
Costumer: Paula Anderson
Sets/Props: Kyle Frederickson
Stage Crew: Austin Bieri
Original music “Learning to Stand”: Joe Nicola
On December 14, 2012, 20 children and 6 adults died in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Following the tragedy, the community rallied together to care for and support each other as the world watched their suffering. Eric Ulloa’s documentary drama 26 Pebbles chronicles the experiences of the parents and community members of Newtown and Sandy Hook. In a series of monologues and short dialogues, they tell the story of their hometown: The experience of community events, the day of the shooting and their panic, the grief and trauma following the tragedy.
Established in 2012, Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts recognizes and promotes the transformative impact of theater, music, and dance. Our mission is to collaborate with the community and families to deliver innovative, diverse, and high-quality performing arts education. We provide programming and productions for individuals of all ages and abilities. We are excited to participate in our inaugural MACT*FEST.
Absolute Theatre
Rochester
Forever Plaid
written by Stuart Ross
Cast: Matthew Sather, Brady Helget, Rhylan Peterson & Riley Thompson
Band: Piano – Jon Davis Bass – Steve Sawyer
Director: Suzie Hansen
Vocal Music Director: Steffanie Stafford
Orchestra Director: Jon Davis
Choreography: Suzie Hansen, Missy Hagen, Steff Stafford
Tech Director/Lighting: John Collins, Cam Harris
Costumes: Colette Rice
Sound Design: Mark Hansen
Props: Suzie Hansen
Stage Crew: Steff Stafford, Renae Sanders
Forever Plaid is set in present day.
“Once upon a time, there were 4 guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who loved to sing. They all met in high school. Discovering they shared an affection for music and entertaining, they got together and dreamed of becoming like their idols – The Four Aces, The Four Freshman and The Crew Cuts. They rehearsed in the basement of Smudge’s family’s plumbing supply company. It was here they became Forever Plaid – a name that connects the continuation of a traditional values of family, home and harmony.” Stuart Ross
Absolute Theatre formed in 2016. Our mission is to hone the art and craft of theatre, and to present works, new and old, that entertain, challenge, and inspire our audiences and ourselves.
- The First Alternate show was Finishing School presented by FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato
- The Second Alternate show was Game of Life presented by County Seat Theater Company of Cloquet
Here’s a list of the other awards presented at MACT*Fest 2025, which was held at the Depot Theatre in Duluth:
- For Outstanding Achievement in:
- Costume Design – Done to Death – Applause Community Theatre
- Original Script – Jenn Soukkala & Phoebe Applegate for Game of Life – County Seat Theater
- Lighting Design – Everette Parker – 26 Pebbles – Northern Starz
- Sound Design – Scott Niederkorn – 26 Pebbles – Northern Starz
- Set Design – Joel & Jenn Soukkala – Game of Life – County Seat Theater
- Set Design – Done to Death – Applause Community Theatre
- Ensemble Work – Forever Plaid – Absolute Theatre
- Choreography – Suzie Hansen, Missy Hagen & Steff Stafford – Forever Plaid – Absolute Theatre
- Performance – Jon Benson – Finishing School – FungusAmongus Players
- Directing – Linda Metcalf – Finishing School – FungusAmongus Players
The two “Best of Fest” shows will represent Minnesota at the Region V AACTFest to be held April 3-5, 2025 at Newton Community Theatre in Newton, Iowa.