30th Anniversary Season Announced

2012/2013 30^th Season *Pending rights availability

The Final Date of each production is a dessert-only matinee

Summer 2012

Escape From Happiness by George F. Walker
Audition Dates: May 14 & 15, 2012 @ 7 pm
Dates: July 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, *22,  2012  

Escape From Happiness opens to reveal a man severely beaten on a kitchen floor.  Nora and her family have been plagued by troubles for some time, including an abusive, catatonic father living upstairs who has returned after many years, but when drugs are discovered in the basement, they are in for the ultimate fight to save their family.  Escape from Happiness is a gritty comedy about how one family navigates the ridiculous roller coaster ride called life. This play contains mature language.

 

2012-2013 Season

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring
Audition Dates: July 16 & 17, 2012 @ 7pm
Dates: Sept. 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 Oct. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, *14, 2012
Spinster sisters Abby and Martha Brewster are devoted to charity and family. But they have taken on another project as well - befriending lonely older gentlemen and then poisoning them with arsenic-laced elderberry wine. The New York Times called the play "so funny that none of us will ever forget it."

9 to 5: The Musical  Music & Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick

Audition Dates: October 8 & 9, 2012 @ 7 pm
Dates: Nov. 29, 30 Dec. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, *30, 2012 

Based on the hit 1980 movie of the same name, 9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. It is the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do -- even in a man's world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business... it's about getting credit and getting even...

Alive & Kicking by Jules Taska

Audition Dates: December 3 & 4, 2012 @ 7 pm
Dates: Feb. 14, 15,16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28  March 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, *17, 2013
When Gloria Nix's last child announces that he and his girlfriend have just gotten married, Gloria panics. She tries to sell the house out from under her easygoing husband because she decides that her life is over and it would be more comfortable to die in a small apartment located near a funeral home. John responds with humor at every turn. "I feel I'm gonna pass on very soon," she says. "Will it be today?" he asks. "I took two steaks out of the freezer. I'll put one back." A humorous play about the serious subject of adjusting to the changes in life.

Don’t Drink the Water By Woody Allen

Audition Dates: February 25 & 26, 2013 @ 7pm
Dates: April 25, 26, 27, 28, May 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, *26, 2013

A cascade of comedy and a solid hit on Broadway, this affair takes place inside an American embassy behind the Iron Curtain. An American tourist, a caterer by trade, and his wife and daughter rush into the embassy two steps ahead of the police who suspect them of spying and picture taking. It's not much of a refuge, for the ambassador is absent and his son, now in charge, has been expelled from a dozen countries and the continent of Africa. Nevertheless, they carefully and frantically plot their escape, and the ambassador's son and the caterer's daughter even have time to fall in love.

The Curious Savage Cast

• Florence: Cindy Krekelberg
• Hannibal: James Myers
• Fairy May: Taylor Eastman
• Jeffrey: Alex Hey
• Mrs. Paddy: Phyllis Stotz 
• Titus: Greg Belfrage 
• Samuel: Erin Sharp
• Lily Belle: Emily Dykstra
• Ethel: Susan Schave
• Miss Wilhelmina: Megan Whitney
• Dr. Emmett: Jeff Dutton

Thanks to all who auditioned! 

In Memoriam: Loretta Nelson 1916-2011

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Loretta Nelson, Director Emeritus.  As one of the founding members of Olde Towne Dinner Theatre, Loretta has been a constant presence at Olde Towne since the curtain went up on our very first production 29 years ago.  She was one of our most avid supporters and she will be dearly missed.  In honor of Loretta's life, talents and faithful support, we honor her by dedicating the 2011-2012 season to her memory.  She may no longer be with us, but our lights will continue to shine brightly in honor of her tireless devotion to our little theatre.  The full obituary as printed in the Argus Leader is below:

Loretta G. Nelson

Location: Canton, SD

Funeral Home: ANDERSON & SONS FUNERAL HOME

Canton - Loretta G. Nelson, age 94, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011 at Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorial services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 20 at Romsdal Lutheran Church, rural Hudson, SD. A private family burial will take place prior to the service in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-8 p.m., with family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home, Canton, SD.
Loretta was born August 19, 1916 in Thayer, IA the second of thirteen children to William and Ruby (Cochran) Courtney. She graduated from Lorimor, IA High School and Normal School. She then taught for a couple of years. On September 2, 1939 she married Millard Nelson. The couple made their home on a farm south of Canton for 45+ years. Millard died in 1983.
Loretta was a founding member and director emeritus of the Olde Town Theatre in Worthing, SD. She had been active in Romsdal Lutheran WELCA and Sons of Norway.
Grateful for having shared Loretta's life are her sons, Larry (JoAnn), Tekamah, NE and Bob, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Pat, Sioux Falls, SD; a brother; 4 sisters; grandchildren, Todd Nelson, Mark (Brenda) Nelson, and Susan (Roger) Hofer; 5 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and grandson, Scott. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Olde Town Dinner Theatre, 121 S. Main St., Worthing, SD 57077.
www.andersonandsonsfh.com

Published on July 18, 2011

Technical Director Position Filled

Congratulations to John J. Boe! John has been hired as our new Technical Director and began work on July 1.

Guest Directors Needed

Olde Towne is now accepting applications for Guest Directors.  If you are interested in future directing opportunities, please email a resume and a short narrative describing why you would like to direct for Olde Towne to jim@oldetownetheatre.org.

Traffic Reminder

The Worthing Police Department does an excellent job of enforcing the speed limits and traffic ordinances.  Please use caution and beware of the posted speed limits on your way to and from the theatre.

The New Raffle

Our raffle is getting a new format!  Each night you will have 2 chances to win! One name will be drawn each night to be put into our grand prize drawing at the end of the performance run.  We will also select another winner who will instantly win a prize that evening!  All proceeds from our raffle benefit our building fund.  If you have an item you wish to donate for raffle prizes, please contact Jim Wood at jim@oldetownetheatre.org.

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Give Olde Towne Your Expertise

OTDT needs your wisdom. The Theatre has six committees and interested members of the public may apply for committee membership. Committee meetings will be held quarterly at minimum.

 Committees include:

Finance: Paul Van Sloten (Chair)
Personnel: John Thuringer (Chair)
Programming: Lynn Aspaas (Chair)
Marketing: (Chair)
Facilities: Eric Eneboe (Chair)
Capital Campaign: Bill Heaston (Chair)

 If you are interested in serving on any of these vital committees please let Jim know. Call 372-4653, email  jim@oldetownetheatre.org, or talk to Dianne or any Board member in person.