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Howlin’ Halloween This Weekend in Taylors Falls

10/27/2016

Abi Leveille and DeeAnn Naegelen as Snow White and a Dwarf at last year’s Howlin Halloween party.

The Taylors Falls Memorial Community center will host Festival Theatre’s annual Howlin’ Halloween party on Sunday, October 30th. This free family friendly party is sure to delight kids and parents alike, with fun and games starting at 3:00.

This year’s party will look a little different in the Community Center, as opposed to the Civic Auditorium space, but all the fun and games of years past are sure to make an appearance. “It will be fun to have all of the games and the show in the same room” shared Jaclyn Johnson, Festival Theatre’s co-artistic director, “we’re very excited to bring this to Taylors Falls. After having “Clue: The Musical” there this summer we couldn’t wait to get back into that space.” The evening promises to be full of games and laughter, including face painting, a popcorn wagon, carmel apples and a video scare station. “I'm looking forward to watching the cute little kids scream in the video afterwards” shared Lucy Herman of St. Croix Falls, “It's always so hilarious.”

The party will be Rounded out with sketch comedy and entertainment from the 2016 Artistic Company starting around 4:00 pm. There are no tickets for this free event, and all are welcome to join! Come in costume for your chance to win prizes, and submit your carved pumpkin for the online Pumpkin Carving Contest. This year, there is no need to lug your Jack-o-lanterns to the party, simply share a photo of your carved masterpiece on Festival Theatre’s Facebook page for a chance to win two tickets to "A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas." The winners of both the live costume contest and online pumpkin contest will be announced at Howlin’ Halloween on October 30th!

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Howlin’ Halloween Coming to Taylors Falls

10/17/2016

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Local youth Lucy Herman and Frankie Miller in their Audrey II Costumes from the 2015 Howlin Halloween party.

Festival Theatre’s annual Howlin’ Halloween party is coming to the Taylors Falls Memorial Community Center this year on Sunday, October 30th. The free family friendly party is sure to delight kids and parents alike, with fun and games starting at 3:00.

Many local youth look forward to this annual free event. “I'm looking forward to seeing all the unique and creative costumes and watching the cute little kids scream in the video afterwards” shared Lucy Herman of St. Croix Falls, “and also the food...can’t forget the food.” Lucy and Frankie Miller won a prize in last year’s costume contest for dressing as Audrey II, a character from Little Shop Of Horrors last summer. Herman continued, “last year I enjoyed the show... It's always so hilarious seeing the current shows shaped to fit the spooky Halloween theme.”

Now in it’s fifth year, this Howlin' Halloween Party is sure to be as fun as the last. Complete with food, costume contests and, of course, sketch comedy and entertainment from our 2016 Artistic Company! The fun and games will start at 3:00, with spooky comedy at 4:00 at the Taylors Falls Memorial Community Center.

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Closing weekend of "On Golden Pond," is selling out

10/17/2016

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Daniel Olson, Jessica Passaro, LIam Gallagher in "On Golden Pond"

There are only three shows left of Festival Theatre's fall production, "On Golden Pond." Audiences have been calling it "a don't miss show," (Fay Danielson Caneday of Taylors Falls, MN) and raving they "loved this production," (Rosemarie Beck from Chanhassen, MN). Carol Lenhart, Eureka Township resident and Board Member for Festival Theatre said, "The play was outstanding. (I'm) so proud of our theatre!"

As audiences have been pouring in, those thinking of joining Festival Theatre for one the remaining three performances are encouraged to make reservations. "Our Box Office has been booming," said Jaclyn Johnson, one of Festival Theatre's Co-Artistic Directors and the Director of "On Golden Pond". Johnson continued, "that is often the result of great word-of-mouth in our community! When people enjoy our shows, they tell their friends. And this is a show for friends, family, young people, adults; community members at all walks of life have been enjoying this story of nostalgia, family, life and love."

Throughout the run of the play, Festival Theatre patrons have marveled at the cast’s ability to live the relationships that play out onstage. Cast member, Greg Marsten, who plays Charlie, Golden Pond's jolly Letter Carrier, said, “I love the 'heart to heart' inter-play between Norman and Ethel." He went on, "they remind me so much of my own parents, who are in a similar battle with time, health and aging, while recalling all those delicious memories of summers past.”

Edward Moersfelder makes playing the iconic role of Norman Thayer seem effortless. He is joined by the powerful Robbye Lewis as Norman's loving and charismatic wife, Ethel Thayer. These two talented actors pave the way for the other four cast members including local journalist, Greg Marsten, local youth actor, Liam Gallagher, and Minneapolis-based actors Daniel Olson and Jessica Passaro round out this dynamic team.

Festival Theatre's Technical Director, Peter Weber, also shines in this production. In addition to his work as TD, Peter also Stage Manages the show, and designed the lights and sound for this production. "Peter is not only a leader at Festival Theatre, he is also an extremely talented artist," stated Johnson. "He can make a dark room come alive with magic. He's an inspiration to work with," Johnson added.

Since seating is limited and the show is headed into it's closing weekend, patrons should make reservations online at festivaltheatre.org or by calling 715-483-3387. The show ends it's run this weekend; Thursday, October 20th at 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30 PM, and closes on Sunday, October 23rd at 2:00 PM.

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On Golden Pond Opened and Selling Out

10/13/2016

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Ed Moersfelder as Norman Thayer Jr. in Festival Theatre's production of "On Golden Pond" playing now through October 23rd

Festival Theatre’s Franklin Square Black Box has been transformed into a summer cabin for this fall’s production of “On Golden Pond” by Ernest Thompson. Audiences have found the show, “very heartwarming and funny,” and with only eight performances left in the run two have sold out completely. The play, originally written in 1979 has been performed on broadway and was adapted into a feature film in 1981.

Norman Thayer Jr, who has been played by James Earl Jones and Henry Fonda is being portrayed by Festival Theatre’s regular, Ed Moersfelder. Since his premiere production with Festival of Arsenic and Old Lace in 2008, Moersfelder has appeared and directed numerous shows. In the last year Moersfelder appeared in The Grapes of Wrath as Grandpa, Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Selsdon Mowbray in Noises Off. Moersfelder is an avid writer, is poet laureate of Amery,WI, co-wrote the script for Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman and has written two one-acts also produced at Festival.

In her first season with Festival, Robbye Lewis is playing Ethel Thayer. Since moving to the Twin Cities a year ago from Tennessee to pursue her acting career, Lewis has joined a mystery improv troupe, “Dinner Detective” and completed a TV pilot for a drama series, “For Art's Sake”. This summer she played Ouiser in Festival’s production of Steel Magnolias and has also performed roles such as Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Ethel Savage in The Curious Savage and Dora Strang in Equus. Lewis enjoys “the playfulness and positivity of Ethel and the opportunity to portray the depth and beauty of a strong marriage.”

Audiences throughout the run of the play have marveled at the entire cast’s ability to grow relationships onstage, and Moersfelder and Lewis lead the charge. Castmate Greg Marsten shared, “I love the "heart to heart" inter-play between Norman and Ethel, as they remind me so much of my own parents, who are in a similar battle with time, health and aging, while recalling all those delicious memories of summers past.”

Purchase your tickets now for this heartwarming tale at the Franklin Square Black Box. Tickets for On Golden Pond are $26 for adults and $13.50 for youth (ages 5-25). Two of the remaining performances are already sold out, so get your tickets soon. Purchases can be made 24 hours a day at FestivalTheatre.org or through Festival Theatre’s Box Office by calling (715)483-3387 or stopping into the Franklin Square Black Box downtown St. Croix Falls.

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On Golden Pond Now Showing

10/4/2016

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Robbye Lewis as Ethel Thayer and Ed Moersfelder as Norman Thayer Jr.

“On Golden Pond” by Ernest Thompson opened last weekend to warm audiences, and continues to hold performances through October 23rd. This heartfelt show falls just as the leaves are coming down and many locals are packing up their own summer cabins.

Peter Weber, Festival Theatre’s Technical Director, has been working closely with scenic designer David Markson to build the 100 year old cabin interior onstage. The detail and care that was involved in the set build shines during the production. Many of the knick-knacks you see onstage are from local cabins: Ed Moersfelder lent many fishing treasures and wall decorations while Greg Marsten lent some vintage board games and license plates. “I love hearing the stories behind all these objects,” shared Abi Leveille, the properties designer for the show, “we have some paintings from David Markson, a quilt from Kim Murphy, and some pieces from local businesses. I think that’s what makes this set feel so special, it’s made by the community.”

Audiences during the preview and opening weekend found the show, “very heartwarming and funny”. The coming together of generations throughout the play resonated with many, and audiences loved seeing the development of all the on-stage relationships, “The whole cast was exceptional” shared one audience member. The show features Ed Moersfelder as Norman Thayer, Robbye Lewis as Ethel Thayer, Daniel Olson as Bill Raye, Jessica Passaro as Chelsea, Greg Marsten as Charlie and Liam Gallagher as Billy Raye. “This cast is very mid-western and they exemplify Minnesota Nice,” shared Robbye Lewis. “I love the warmth and caring of everyone for each other. As a proud southerner, I see so many similarities in folks here and folks back home. I feel very comfortable and welcome.”

Tickets for “On Golden Pond” are $26 for adults and $13.50 for youth (ages 5-25). Two performances are already sold out, so get your tickets soon. This weekend’s available shows are 7:30pm on Thursday, 7:30pm on Saturday and 2:00pm on Sunday. Purchases can be made through Festival Theatre’s Box Office, located at the Franklin Square Black Box downtown St. Croix Falls, through the website FestivalTheatre.org or by calling (715)483-3387.

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Howlin’ Halloween This Weekend in Taylors Falls

Howlin’ Halloween Coming to Taylors Falls

Closing weekend of "On Golden Pond," is selling out

On Golden Pond Opened and Selling Out

On Golden Pond Now Showing

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