Festival Theatre is proud to announce the youth cast of the upcoming holiday production of Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates. The cast of four adult professional actors and two community guest artists will be joined by twenty-two young actors from the surrounding area, split into two groups of eleven. Youth roles are double-cast to accommodate the large number of shows, running from November 29th through December 28th.
The youth, with an age range of eight to fifteen, consists of Zoe Allen of Frederic, Ella Anderson, Kelsey Cooper, Sidrah Edwards, Megan Hankel, Lucy Herman, Abby Ruona and Claire Scharfenberg of St. Croix Falls, Nicholas Borne of New Richmond, Anneka Cress of Centuria, Britta Dueholm and Josh Stirrat of Luck, Jade Fehlen and Allie Nelson of Osceola, Brita Gallagher, Liam Gallagher and Elliana Naegelen of Dresser, Katie Herrick of Cushing, Andrew Lewis and Christopher Lewis of Grantsburg, and Catelyn Rice and Stephen Rice of Milltown. Their previous stage experience ranges from a few first timers to a couple with five or more years of participation in Festival productions.
Festival’s Artistic Director Jaclyn Johnson says, “We had an amazing amount of talent come out for the youth auditions this year! Being able to feature local talent is always a joy in the holiday season and we are excited to work with these young artists, and share this heartwarming story with our community.”
Ed Moersfelder is directing this production from the story written by Mary Mapes Dodge and adapted for Festival Theatre by James L. Walker. A beloved Scandinavian holiday classic set in Holland in the early 19th century, the story highlights hope, tenacity and perseverance. A poor-but-industrious and honorable young man named Hans Brinker yearns to participate in December’s great ice-skating race on the Canal. He and his younger sister, Gretel, have little chance of winning on their handmade wooden skates, but with a little hope and hard work, Hans aims to purchase a set of steel skates that will aid him in chasing down the illustrious prize. But Hans' and Gretel's father has fallen very ill, and Hans must first find a way to have his father seen and helped by the famous surgeon, Dr. Boekman.
Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates is a story of love, ambition, community and chasing one's dreams while fighting to do what is honorable and noble. Perfect for the holiday season, this show will warm hearts of all ages, and remind audiences of the most precious gift of all, the love of family and friends.
School and home school matinees are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings during the run of the show in December. School group matinee details can be found on the website, and reservations can be made by calling or emailing the Box Office.
Single tickets for this production are $26 for adults and $13.50 for ages five to eighteen. Reservations can be made online HERE, or by contacting the Box Office at boxoffice@festivaltheatre.org, or 715-483-3387. Details on all the exciting events coming up this fall can be found on the website, such as The Miser opening October 2nd, The Orfield Whyte Band performing on October 18th, and Spirits of the St. Croix on October 27th. Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls at 210 North Washington Street, across the river from Taylors Falls, Minnesota.