<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3xug0v_0wAGRHEx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3xug0v_0wAGRHEx00" width="1024" height="792" ><figcaption>Photo by Tamara Horton FungusAmongus Players Rick Wyman, Sean Snow, and Maia Carnicom performing The Explorers Club at the Dassel History Center</figcaption></figure>The FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato treated audience members to its first few productions of the comedy “The Explorers Club,” written by Tony-nominated Nell Benjamin and directed by Cokato resident Tom Nelson on Oct. 11.The first show, at the Dassel History Center, garnered several bursts of laughter from the audience as cast members portrayed a time when women weren’t allowed to join distinguished gentlemen’s clubs.The play premiered Off-Broadway at the New York City Center in June of 2013, directed by Marc Bruni. It received modest reviews for its witty humor and won an Outer Critics Circle Award in 2014.The production, set in nineteenth-century London at one such club, tells the story of a young lady, Phyllida Spotte-Hume (played by Maia Carnicom), an adventurer who discovers an ancient lost tribe. She is being considered for membership to the Explorers Club bymembers after a potential suitor and current club member, Lucius Fretway (played by Sean Snow), recommended her. Chaotic events ensue, spurred by club members and an ancient tribe member named Luigi (played by Tait Jerde), who Spotte-Hume brought back to civilization with her to study.Nelson said of the performances, “Our expert cast has worked very hard not only on learning their lines and characters, but also on the complicated bits of humor throughout the piece.”Audience member Rhea Langemo said, “My son and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. The cast was strong—each actor was invested in being interesting and unique. The set was a fun playground for the actors.”Irene Bender said, “Another stellar performance by FungusAmongus. I could comment on each character. It would be impossible to choose a favorite. The lines, expressions, movements, little details, and sets are just a few of the nuances not to be missed.”The play is scheduled for additional performances this week on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Seats are still available. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at www.fungusamongusplayers.org/currentshow.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

The Explorers Club comedy brings the laughs to DHC crowd

The FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato treated audience members to its first few productions of the comedy “The Explorers Club,” written by Tony-nominated Nell Benjamin and directed by Cokato resident Tom Nelson on Oct. 11. The first show, at the Dassel History Center, garnered several bursts of laughter from...