Minot State Summer Theatre set for 54th season
MINOT, N.D. – As the 54th season of Minot State University Summer Theatre approaches, two constants remain over the past half century.
One, Summer Theatre’s lineup is jam-packed with exciting shows patrons from across Northwest North Dakota will enjoy.
And second, individuals who have played a part of the company return to the iconic amphitheater overlooking the Magic City.
For nine of the past 10 summers, actor and director Brett John Olson has been involved in Minot State Summer Theatre in one way or another.
This summer, getting back on the stage will be especially gratifying for Olson.
“Summer Theatre has really been my theater home since 2008,” he said. “In one way or another, I’ve contributed through set design from afar or shorter term carpentry work. I’m excited to get back on the stage though, it has been a few years since I’ve dug into a challenging role and Edward Bloom in ‘Big Fish’ is a dream role. Plus, ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ is going to be so much fun, it’s so iconic and Summer Theatre’s first adventure into a 10-performance run, I can’t wait to share it.”
Olson will direct “Beauty and the Beast,” the 54th season’s final performance set for July 24 through 28 and July 30 through Aug. 3. He doesn’t plan to stray away from the traditional story line, but is excited to see the production unfold each night.
“We are hoping to play homage to a very iconic play, our version won’t be wildly different from others,” he said. “The real draw is the fact that it’s LIVE — no two performances will be exactly the same, and the art is fleeting. You won’t want to miss it.”
The opening performance is set for June 12 and the company will begin its work on the season, building costumes, and rehearse this week.
“Putting together four full productions in two months is a real challenge,” said Summer Theatre Artistic Director Chad Gifford. “Our company members will hit the ground running Memorial Day weekend with rehearsals twice a day and costumers designing and building costumes for over a 100 different characters, as well as hanging lights, setting up sound, and building and painting the sets.
Beauty and the Beast highlights an exciting lineup of all-new-to-Minot shows, beginning with “Mamma Mia,” June 12-17, “Cash on Delivery,” set for June 26-July 1, and “Big Fish,” slated for July 10-15. Tickets for each show are $16 for adults, $11 for seniors, active military, MSU faculty, staff, and students with current I.D., and $5 for youth 18 and under. Deck seats are $20. More information is available ONLINE or by calling 701-858-3228.
“This summer we have four shows that have never been seen at Summer Theatre, which is pretty exciting,” said Summer Theatre Artistic Director Chad Gifford. “One thing that is always exciting about starting a new season is bringing together many talented creative individuals and seeing those talents work together to create beautiful and entertaining theatre. We will have several states represented this summer with performers coming from Indiana, Illinois and California to work on our stage.”
Olson is equally excited to be able to both act and direct during the final two productions of the summer.
“My passion is acting, it always will be,” Olson said. “But I find directing incredibly gratifying as well. Doing both in the same time frame will require significant balance. They are two different creative brains — honest acting is so reactive, lovely directing is about producing moments — so the two are seemingly in conflict. I’m looking forward to it.”
The all-new show lineup is just one of the new feature at Summer Theatre in 2019. Tickets sales, which start May 30 at 9 a.m., will feature a new online system.
“Rolling out the new online ticketing system wouldn't be possible without the hard work of our Business Manager, Peg Morris,” Gifford said. “She has been working with the university to make this possible for months and we are finally about to see it in action.”
While Gifford knows just how much work goes into a successful season, he wouldn’t want it to be any other way.
“Many of our company members start work at 9 in the morning and don't finish until rehearsal wraps up at 11 that evening,” he said. “This kind of dedication just shows the absolute love we have for bringing theatre to the community of Minot each summer.
“The old adage about doing what you love and you'll never work a day in your life is so true with Summer Theatre. It's my favorite place to be.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 05/24/19
