K-W Community Theater puts on 'Hello Dolly'

Large crowds enjoyed the K-W Community Theater presentation of “Hello Dolly,” directed by Randy Hockinson and musical director Amber Olson, in the K-W High School Auditorium for three performances.

K-W Middle School teacher Blair Reynolds’s musical play experience was evident as he was cast in the lead role of Horace Vandergelder. LeAnn Finger was perfectly cast as the brassy Dolly Levi. Tom Ersland, as Cornelius Hackl, and Brady Bauer, in the role of Barnaby Tucker, worked well together while singing and dancing. It was fun to see Ashley Rechtzigel back on the local stage singing. Gretchen Ginter’s array of stage experiences was evident as she brought the part of Mrs. Irene Molloy to life.

This is the second play this year at K-W, where a person in a lead supporting role made a physical commitment to their part. Last spring, Olivar Breyer shaved his head for the part of Uncle Fester in “The Addams Family.” For his part as Cornelius Hackl, Tom Ersland dyed his hair to a dark brown. Imagine the shock and surprise when he walked into work at Reckitt in Wanamingo one morning last week.

During the Harmonia Gardens Café scene, ensemble members Christine Ersland and Beth Giese were seated at a table. To make this part more realistic, they were eating cheesecake. One performance was chocolate, and another was a turtle cheesecake. The two smirked at the audience as they enjoyed their dessert and had ringside seats for the action on stage. This summer, Aspen Donkers is honing her acting skills by playing the part of the chef and being part of the ensemble in Dolly. She is also in the Northfield Arts Guild production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” by William Shakespeare, which will be presented on August 2-4 and August 9-11 in Northfield. She was at play practice on Saturday before coming to perform in Dolly in the evening.

Sunday afternoon, several Stout University students attended to see Brady Bauer, who goes to Stout and acted in the spring production there. Bauer indicated if his class schedule allows him, he would like to continue as a member of the Stout Theater group.

While doing live theater, things do not always go as planned. On Friday night, Max Erickson’s adlib was impressive when he had to get a fourth chair for a table at the Harmonia Gardens. Sunday afternoon, Sadie Schmitz did not get flustered and showed great maturity and stage presence when she dropped her tray during the Waiters’ Gallop scene.

Working with seasoned actors has allowed middle school students Daltyn Breyer, Madi Quam, Sadie Schmitz, and Arwyn Sweet to improve their stage presence and acting skills. This core of performers will soon be leading the K-W Theater program.

Elsie Braaten’s relatives had difficulty containing their laughter when she came on stage as Ernestina Money, a floozy with a gold-colored dress, feathered boa, and bright red lipstick.

Being part of the summer theater has allowed K-W Theater’s experienced actors, Olivar Breyer, Max Erickson, and Jordan Blowers, to improve their acting skills. Local theater fans can look forward to seeing them on stage next school year.