Sailing Adventures on Stage at Festival Theatre

Local author and adventurer, Phil Peterson, will celebrate the sailing adventures of Dennis and Cam Raedeke when he hosts a special book launch party and presentation on Saturday, June 15th at Festival Theatre.   Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m.

Fifty years and a world of travel are chronicled in the book “Around the World and then Some” which tells the Raedeke’s love story with sailing and how they crafted a life that allowed them to manage the family business (Wild Mountain & Taylors Falls Paddle Boats) and pursue their passion for sailing.   A social hour begins at 6:00 p.m. with the presentation starting at 7:00 p.m., including music by Dan Chouinard, whose first job was as a musician over thirty years ago aboard the Taylors Falls Queen during the summer paddleboat season.

Peterson, Chouinard, and the Raedeke’s all see this event as a fantastic way to raise money for the purchase of a grand piano for Festival Theatre.   Over the years, Festival has always had to rent pianos for when professional pianists perform, such as Chouinard, Butch Thompson, and others.   The full price of the $15 ticket will go to the piano fund.

Peterson’s book covers the human interest aspects of this story, which began shortly after the Raedeke’s married in the fall of 1960.   However, the book also shares the technical and nautical tales that will engage those who sail or have an “armchair” interest in sailing.   Fascinating photos and descriptions abound of encountering and overcoming challenges.   When Phil Peterson presents on June 15th at Festival Theatre, it will be a travelogue, complete with projected images, narration, and musical interludes by Dan Chouinard.  

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved here, or purchased at the box office.  

Festival Theatre’s Sew Good Improv returns for a fourth year of summer comedy.  This year, eighteen company members will make up the rotating cast of the improv troupe.  Shows take place each Friday night at 9:00 p.m. following Music on the Overlook, beginning June 7th and ending August 23rd. (Two exceptions: no shows on July 5 or August 9.)

“Improvisational theatre is one of my favorite forms of creative exploration," said Jaclyn Johnson, Associate Artistic Director and team member of Sew Good.  Jaclyn, who trained at the Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis and has been a member of several improv troupes since her training began in high school, goes on to explain, “Improv lets actors play, discover, and practice being present, in the moment, accepting and perceptive of all that is happening on stage.  And as luck would have it, this usually results in some very funny, very honest, very memorable moments that excite and make each show unique."  

This summer the cast will be split into three improv teams.  Each performance will feature two teams and both teams will experiment in a variety of improv structures.  Audience suggestions inspire each scene and actors will create a show using their collective wit and talents as their only tools.  

Tickets for Sew Good Improv are $5.00 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at the box office.  General admission seating is limited with shows taking place in the street level Elbow Room.  The Act II Cafe will be open during every show, offering beer, wine and other refreshments. Bring your friends and join the fun!