Best Bets: Great time to love theatre; Local talent in the spotlight of 3 productions this week
Published 9:04 am Thursday, November 16, 2017
- Chloe Guttormson, playing Eliza Doolittle, sings a song during rehearsal for the Austin High School production of “My Fair Lady,” Tuesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
If you’re a theater-lover and cannot find live entertainment to watch this week in Austin, well, you’re just not looking.
“She Loves Me,” at Riverland Community College, “My Fair Lady,” at Austin High School and “Off the Track,” a comedy playing at Pacelli High School, all provide local audiences with talent and a range of genre.
“My Fair Lady” and “She Loves Me” both revive musicals first mounted on Broadway in the 1950s and 1960s.
Will Huizenga, right playing Henry Higgins, and Zach Farr, playing Col. Pickering, rehearse a scene in the Austin High School presentation of “My Fair Lady” Tuesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“My Fair Lady,” arguably Lerner and Loewe’s most famous show, opens tonight at 7 p.m. at Christgau Hall of AHS. The show, led by Chloe Guttormson (Eliza Doolittle) and Willem Huizinga (Professor Henry Higgins) recounts the story of Eliza, a Cockney flower girl who, with the help of Higgins, becomes a proper English lady.
Gordon Handeland is the director and Brian Johnson the musical director. The production will also be presented Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.
Those who have enjoyed movies such as “The Shop Around the Corner” — and one of its musical adaptations, “In the Good Old Summertime” and the more recent inspiration, “You’ve Got Mail,” — will get a chance to enjoy “She Loves Me” tonight at 7 p.m. at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on the east campus of Riverland Community College.
The musical will also be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Bock-Harnick musical adaptation, which first opened on Broadway in 1963, features Anders Nelson and Jannel Howard as the secret pen pals, Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash. Lindsey Duoos Williams is the director.
“Off the Tracks” also opens tonight at 7 p.m. at the Pacelli School Auditorium. This comedy combines an unlikely cast of characters with an equally unlikely plot.
William Kahle, Abigail Bollingberg, Grace Einck and Madi Rysavy in “Off the Track,” that opens tonight at Pacelli High School Auditorium. The comedy follows a group of odd characters stranded at an isolated railroad station where no passenger train has stopped in 20 years. Photo provided.
Felicia Metcalfe wrote the rollicking comedy that takes place in a train station — but one that hasn’t had a passenger train pass through for 20 years. The motley group creates all sorts of pandemonium. The Pacelli cast includes Patrick Murphy, Mason Holtorf, Abigail Bollingberg, Maddie Rysavy, Grace Einck, Daisy Hernandez, Lyndsey McMahon, Shelby Jenkins, Jayden Lewis, Myra Kraemer, Edward Dryer, Kayla Christorferson, Rachel Nelsen, and Caitlin Drees. The play is directed by Tim Brennan.
“Off the Tracks” will also be presented Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m.
Tickets are sold at the door for all performances of the three productions. You may also purchase tickets online for “She Loves Me” at Riverland by going to: riverland.edu/tickets.
Friday, Nov. 17
• Second Floor Art Gallery Show – Renee Sonka and Lori Tapani, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Gallery show featuring the artwork of Renee Sonka and Lori Tapani. For more information, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.
• Bingo, 5:40-7:40 p.m. at the Austin VFW. Early Bird starting at 5:40 p.m. Open to the public. For more information, call 507-433-6039.
• Clay Wheel Throwing for Teens – Part 3, 6-8 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Hjordi Danielson. For ages 13 – 18. This is the final session of a three series class for beginner to intermediate teenagers who want to learn more about clay wheel throwing. To sign up, call 507-434-0934.
• Public Skate, 6-8 p.m. at Packer Arena. $4 to skate and $1 to rent skates. For more information, call 507-433-1881.
• Billy McLaughlin and Simple Gifts, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Celebrating traditional Christmas hymns and carols in modern arrangements, with the Austin High School Choir as special guests. Simple Gifts combines violin, Celtic whistle, piano, acoustic guitar and percussion with angelic three-part female vocals. For tickets, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.
Saturday, Nov. 18
• One Stop Christmas Shoppe, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at I.J. Holton Intermediate School. Featuring dozens of crafters and home-based businesses. This is an I.J. Holton student fundraiser activity.
• Saturday Sweet Reads – Thomas the Train, 10-11 a.m. at Sweet Reads. Come in costume, listen to stories, and meet surprise guests. For info, call 507-396-8660.
• Hormel Historic Home Holiday Event – Soup and Santa for Families, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hormel Historic House. Features a tour through the historic home in all its holiday finery, with festive music and treats to fill the spirit. This year – two sessions, one at 10 am and one at noon. $5 per person. For more information, call 507-433-4243.
• Craftacular at the Congo, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Austin Congregational UCC. This craft fair will benefit the church’s refurbishing projects. Free coffee and tea while browsing.
• Second Floor Art Gallery Show – Renee Sonka and Lori Tapani, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Gallery show featuring the artwork of Renee Sonka and Lori Tapani. For more information, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.
• Mugs and Handles, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With James Bracken. Advance techniques for clay on the wheel – last of a three session class. For ages 16 and older. To register or for more information, call 507-434-0934.
• Kids Studio – Create Your Own City, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Krystal Lennie. For kids ages 4 – 14; cost $5. For more information or to sign up, call 507-434-0934.
• Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakland Lutheran Church. Chili and a baked potato bar will be served along with a bake sale including lefse. Tickets are $7 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 5-11 and under 5 is free. Silent auction with many great items and a chili competition will take place. Everyone is invited.
• Hormel Historic Home Holiday Event – Soup and Spirits, 4-7 p.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. Open house to share the holiday decorations with guests, featuring soup and other appetizers to warm the body and more. Cash bar will also be open. $15 per person. For more information, call 507-433-4143.
• Celebrations and Meditations’ Organ Recital by Scott Blankenbaker, 5:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, Austin. Begins with hors d’oeuvres and wine in the church Guild Hall, then Blankenbaker, the music director at Riverland Community College and Christ Church organist, will perform. Free will offerings will be accepted.
• Thanksgiving Feast Fundraiser, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Annual fundraiser for the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. For more information, call 507-437-7519.
• Austin Bruins vs. Minnesota Wilderness (Albert Lea Youth Hockey Night), 7 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! For more information, call 507-434-4978.
Sunday, Nov. 19
• Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Jennings Hall, St. Augustine Catholic Church. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee and milk for a free will donation. All proceeds will benefit a memorial to the unborn children at Calvary Cemetery. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. For more information, call 507-440-4343.
• Craftacular at the Congo, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Austin Congregational UCC. This craft fair will benefit the church’s refurbishing projects. Free coffee and tea while browsing.
• Oakland Baptist Church Harvest Dinner, noon at Oakland Town Hall, 89138 Oakland Ave. Free. All are invited.
