Right now I am in the midst of the Barn Theatre's production of "The Trip to Bountiful". We've done 4 shows so far, with 4 more to go. Crowds haven't been huge, but they usually aren't for a non-comedy, non-musical drama. But the people who have come to our show have been moved. It's about an elderly widow with health troubles, living with her son and daughter-in-law in a tiny apartment in Houston in the 1950s. She longs to return to her home farmsite in Bountiful Texas one last time before she dies. Carrie has to decieve both her son and controlling daughter-in-law to make her "escape" to Bountiful, with help from kind strangers along the way. It raises many issues pertinent to today, as many parents have to live with their adult children and vice versa. It also shows how easily "elder abuse" can happen. I play Carrie's son Ludie, and have really enjoyed being in this show.
I am also on the Barn Theatre Board of Directors, and it makes me proud that such an organization exists in Willmar. There are so many people dedicated to this non-profit organization which is devoted to providing quality, affordable live entertainment to the region. We are losing our board chair, Randy Czarnetzki, who has gone way over and above the call of duty to help the Barn, and even though he is leaving the board, I'm sure he'll still be around to help the Barn in the future. Thanks Randy, as well as Nancy Gieger, who is also leaving the board. She really enjoys helping at the Barn, both on the stage and behind the scenes, and she will also be missed. And Diane Drager, another regular performer, is also leaving after years of service. Cheri Buzzeo is doing an excellent job keeping the Barn running on a day-to-day basis.
The Barn is doing many exciting things. We have purchased the building to our south, we are putting a new roof over the whole facility, and there may be some changes soon in our buildings to the north, the old Paffrath Jewelers and Goodwill Store. Jenn ie-O/Turkey Store has donated money toward new carpetting and needed handrails. We are having a fundraiser that is going to be a blast, at The Barn, Saturday October 15th. Lots of good food and entertainment, a chance to bid on some cool things, and buy a raffle ticket for a 3 day, 4 night trip for two to New York City! Tickets are $50, and only 250 will be sold. If you're interested, give me a call at 214-6627.
