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The Pine City Heritage Players will host auditions for Into the Woods on Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21 from 6:30 – 9:00pm at the Pine City High School (1400 Main St S, Pine City) in the high school choir room.  Those interested in auditioning should enter through the main doors and check-in at the auditorium lobby.

One of Sondheim’s most popular works, Into the Woods is a musically sophisticated show in which James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

“Into the Woods will continue the tradition in Pine City of quality theater entertainment,” says Director Jay Schueller, “the fairy tale stories will be familiar to many with a twist of dark comedy that makes them popular with today’s audiences. We are looking forward to what will be a challenging, yet fun, summer of collaboration.”

Auditions will be held as an open call for actors across the region ages 16+ for this production.   The musical will perform July 18 – 21, 2019. Any questions (not answered below) regarding auditions can be directed to heritageplayers@gmail.com

What to prepare for your audition:

• Download a copy of the Audition Form and bring a completed form with you to your audition. We will have copies available when you check-in for auditions.
• As part of your audition form, please bring with you a list of any school, work, church, vacation or other commitments that you may have for the summer.
• Please come prepared to sing a song that will showcase your vocal range, skills & talents. We will have a piano accompanist on site to play music that you bring with you, or can provide speakers if you bring music on a digital device.
• Based on your character selection, you may be asked to sing an additional song directly from the production. (Once scripts arrive, we will update this page with links to music for your review).

What else do I need to know?

• We are currently planning for rehearsals to be held on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday evenings. If you have a conflict with more than 2 rehearsal dates as identified on the audition form, please discuss your conflicts in detail prior to auditioning for the show.
• As we are a community theater, we rely heavily on volunteers to help with set construction, box office volunteers, providing food for work days, etc. We encourage cast members and family members to take part in our Team Building + Set Building days! More details on that schedule will be provided in June.
• All cast members will be given assignments during the strike of the show after the close of the matinee on Sunday. With dedicated volunteers…. we are often done by 6:30 or 7:00 PM and can enjoy a potluck cast & crew party before we part ways!

The Heritage Players cast and production team for the spring musical “Once Upon A Mattress” have been busy with rehearsals and planning for the last three weeks. With the show just over a month away from opening, and the opening for a princess already filled…. we are now on the lookout for volunteers that are interested in getting involved in the show.

Volunteer Opportunity #1 — Poster Distribution
The posters and postcards arrive this week and we would love to get a few volunteers that will help get them posted throughout Pine City and into our neighboring communities. Contact us via email at heritageplayers@gmail.com to make arrangements to pick up your posters.

Volunteer Opportunity #2 — Set Construction
One of the best ways to get involved with the Heritage Players is to join us for one of our first two set construction days. No experience is necessary, we’ve got a great team that will help teach you the tricks of this trade! We would love you to join us for an hour, two or the whole weekend — whatever works best in your schedule. We welcome people of ALL ages to help with construction, painting, and other creative projects…. but those under 16 must be with a parent/guardian to assist.

Join us on Friday, March 8th or Saturday, March 9th.

On Saturday, March 9th we’ll also have a potluck lunch at Noon…. so plan accordingly if you are joining us!

Want to receive text message reminders for these volunteer opportunities as well as others that will be scheduled based on the results of these two dates?
Send a text message 81010
with the message @pchpcrew

“Once Upon a Mattress” performing in March 2019

“Into the Woods” planned for July 2019 performances

While our blog pages have been a bit quiet since the closing of “Shrek: The Musical” in July, our behind the scenes work and planning hasn’t slowed down!  Each year in the month of August the Board of Directors meets for the annual organization meeting where new officers are elected and new volunteer roles are assigned.  We begin planning the new season and seeking out the production staff that will take on the “heavy lifting” of organizing and planning for each show that we will be performing.

As you can see, we’ve got a great line-up for shows this season and we are looking forward to sharing them with our community!  Stay tuned for more information on the season, upcoming shows and production team announcements…. until then…. let me share a quick update on the Board of Directors for the Heritage Players Community Theater.

2018-2019 Officers for Heritage Players:
President: Jay Schueller
Vice-President: Cassandra Olson
Secretary: Rachel Bigelow
Treasurer: Becky Schueller
Directors: Dennis Howard, Alan Gosen, Nick Basta and JoAnn Lindstrom

Keith Bredeson as Captain of the Guard

This is Keith’s second production with Pine City Heritage Players.  He has also worked with Play Inc Arts and ABC Theatre.  Previous roles he has had include: Dr Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace, Captain Keller in The Miracle Worker, Old Joe in A Christmas Carol and Dr.  Chausible in The Importance of Being Earnest.  He has also been in the Chorus for My Fair Lady and The Producers.

Chase Holmstrom as Happy Family & Guard

CJ has enjoyed her first time performing with Heritage Players. She has been involved in both choir and danceline since 3rd grade. In 6th grade she was performed in the Lion Ling Jr. She would like to thank her mom for getting her places. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Hailey Magnison as Happy Family & Guard

Hailey is heading into her Senior year of High School and this is her first time doing community theatre. She’s been apart of high school productions, such as Blithe Spirit and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, but has enjoyed the different atmosphere that community theatre provides. Thank you to everyone who made this show possible and enjoy the show!

Brooke Simonson as Happy Family & Guard

Brooke Simonson is going into ninth grade. She’s been in the Family Reunion to Die For, Murder at the Malt Shop, and the Night Shift Before Christmas. She’s enjoyed acting her whole life. She’d like to thank her family for support and rides, and she’d also like to  thank the Pine City Heritage Players for this wonderful experience. Enjoy the Show!

Amelia Prokop as Happy Family & Guard

Amelia is ready to let her “Freak Flag Fly”. She lives in Harris, MN. She has been in multiple plays like A Family Reunion to Die for, Crowded House, and Name This American. She loves art and theater. She is so excited to use her abilities for the stage. She wants to thank her family and friends for supporting her.  Enjoy the show!

Lena Roubinek as Happy Family & Guard

Hakuna Matata. Hi I’m Lena, this is my third Heritage Player production. I have most recently been in the Lion King Jr. as Timon. If I am not on the stage this summer you can find me on the ice, the tennis courts, our farm or with friends. Thanks to my parents for allowing me to do this show and bringing me to practice. Enjoy the show.

Jaylynn Maurstad-Rock as Happy Family & Guard

Jaylynn is a junior at Pine City High School. She’s been a part of Princess Whatshername, and the Secret Garden. This musical was really funny and it was a blast. She would like to thank her Grandma. She really enjoyed this musical. Thanks to the cast. Hope you enjoy the show!

Elisa Mill as Papa Bear & Bishop

Beginning with her very first role as a 13-year-old  playing an elderly widow, Elisa has been cast in a  variety of roles. From a grieving widow to an innkeeper, a mayor’s wife, a nun (several times) and the Virgin Mary on the stage of the Ordway. Now cast as Papa Bear & the Bishop, Elisa makes her second stage appearance as a man ( a trend that is beginning to concern her). Elisa says, “the fun part about acting is being something that you are not.” Her various roles certainly embrace that attitude.

Cheyenne Sandell as Dwarf

This is the first time that Cheyenne is taking the stage for Heritage Players, but she is no stranger to performing.  She has been dancing for the last 8 years and loves being on stage.  She would like to say thank you to her mom, dad, and grandma for supporting her and getting her to rehearsals!

Kodie Maki as Teen Fiona & Fairy Godmother

Kodie Maki is going to be a junior at North Branch High School. She loves being in theater and softball. Her past shows that she has been involved in are You Can’t Take It With You, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie, Bithel Spirit, also Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Tonight she will be playing the roles of teen Fiona and Fariy Godmother in Shrek the Musical. This show has been such an enjoyment and she can’t wait for her family and friends to see this show.

Vivian Lahti as Young Fiona & Humpty Dumpty

My name is Vivian Lahti and this is my first year with the Pine City Heritage Players.  My hobbies offstage include playing basketball, dancing, singing, reading, and training my 1 year old dog Belle. I would like to thank my parents, Jeff and Rita and my sister Sophia for supporting me!

Brecken Reiser as Young Shrek & Baby Bear

Brecken is so excited to return to the stage for her second production with PCHP. She recently participated in her school’s production of the Lion King Jr., as Pumbaa, the fun-loving warthog, where her love of theater really flourished. She has truly enjoyed the challenge of learning several different roles for this show and is grateful to have worked with such a talented cast and crew. Brecken would like to thank her family their encouragement and support.

BeckaJo Bredeson as Mama Bear & Happy Family

This is BeckaJo’s first production with PCHPs but she has enjoyed involment in theater since childhood. Some of her most recent shows are A Christmas Carol as the Spirit if Christmas Yet to Come, The Importance of Being Earnest as Miss Prism, the Gift of the Magi as Madam Vodskya, My Fair Lady, Pickled or Pickles, and the Producers.

Hannah Theisen as Happy Family & Duloc Dancer

Hannah has been acting and modeling for a number of year’s and joined the Heritage Players for her first stage appearance last summer for Bye Bye Birdie.  She also appeared in her school production of The Lion King Jr. earlier this spring.  She also enjoys dance and gymnastics.

Angel Kidd as Peter Pan

Angel is very excited to be back for her second     summer with PCHP! She will be a senior in North Branch this fall. This is her fifth musical and eighth performance overall. Her favorite past role was Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie. She’d like to thank Thomas for   being so supportive and giving her a shoulder to lean on. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cece Bredeson as White Rabbit

This is Cece’s first show with the Pine City Heritage Players and she is excited for the opportunity. She has been doing theatre for her entire life. She is a senior at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists.       Besides theatre, she also enjoys robotics, 4-H, and crafts.

Isabella Bredeson as Mad Hatter

This is Isabella’s first production with the Pine City   Heritage Players. Her previous productions were with Play Inc, ABC Theater Company, and the Art and     Science Academy.  She is going into 8th grade at the Art and Science Academy. The last show she did was in Say Good Night to the Rootbeer Prince. She is  looking forward to more productions with the Pine City team.

Peyton St. Germain as Ugly Duckling

Peyton St. Germain is going into 6th grade and this is her second performance this year. She’s always loved theatre and loves to sing. She performed with the Pine City Elementary Musical, The Lion King Jr. earlier this spring and is now doing Shrek. She would love to thank all the cast and Anna for working on costumes. And she wants to thank her mom for bringing her to practice.

Brooklyn Shellito as Elf

My name is Brooklyn Shellito and i am 12 years old. That means i will be  going to the high school next year and i am excited! For my hobbies i really like to sing and i like to express myself in acting. I like to try new thing and have new experiences. I have 4 pets, wich i love all of them dearly. I am very interested in space and hope to do astronomy along with acting when i grow up.

Calvin Cheney as Wolf & Thelonius

Calvin returns to the Pine City stage for his second production with the Heritage Players.  He played the role of Mortimer Brewster for the spring production of Arsenic & Old Lace.  He has also performed with Play, Inc. Performing Arts out of Cambridge.

Anna Savage as Straw Pig

Anna is currently a senior attending NBA High School in North Branch. Throughout Anna’s high school    career she has participated in theatre and she is proud to call this her eighth show.  Some of Anna’s previous roles include “Ed” in You Can’t Take It With You, “Alice” in Women and War, and “Waitress” in Tracks. This is Anna’s second production with Heritage Players and she is extremely excited to be returning to the Pine City Stage. Anna would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her dreams even with her busy schedule.

Thomas Yoder as Stick Pig

Thomas is sixteen and is attending eleventh grade at Perpich Performing Arts High School in Golden Valley. He was excited to be as involved as possible in the arts. This is his fourth musical in his career and he enjoyed every second of it.

Brandon Moua as Brick Pig

Brandon is 19 years old and is planning on going to UMD his sophomore year of college. He has been in 4 productions not including Shrek The Musical. His roles have been: Lt. Ward/Ickes in Annie, Buddy (Bruggaletta) in Women and War, and Kolenkhov in You Can’t Take It With You. He loves Nature, Psychology, Zoology, Philosophy, and Sociology. He loves to dance, sing, play piano, and practice different accents.

Scott Tolzmann as Shrek

Scott Tolzmann is excited to be taking the stage as Shrek! This is Scott’s fourth production with the Heritage Players & 31st production since catching the theatre bug in high school. Scott currently lives in Rush City where he works as a Program Assistant for the St. Croix River Education District.  He’d like to thank his family and friends for their love and support, our fantastic production team for their impeccable work, and YOU for joining us for this performance! Scott hopes you enjoy the show and says, “Stop by the swamp after the show for a batch of s’nothers!”

Rachel Bigelow as Fiona

Rachel has a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of MN where she studied acting, scenic artistry, and stage management. She now works as a special ed teacher in Rush City, where she resides with her husband, Jon, and their new baby boy, Regan. This is Rachel’s 4th performance on stage with PCHP,  although she has enjoyed working on many shows for the past few years in various capacities including director,  scenic artist, and choreographer. She is excited to be back on stage and hopes you enjoy the show!

Zach Fluegel as Donkey

Zach is very excited to debut with PCHP in a most   auspicious manner. Some previous roles of his include: Joseph (Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) Rooster (Annie), Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors), and Fork (Beauty and the Beast). He wants to thank all who have encouraged him, his parents for allowing him to follow his passion and especially his number one     supporter and fan Jalen.  He hopes you all enjoy the show.

Jon Bigelow as Farquad

Jon is survived by his beautiful wife Rachel, and his son Regan. Jon lived a happy life, graduating from the     University of Minnesota with a B.A (not a BFA) in    theatre, and then moving to Rush City to become the youngest Grumpy Old Man in town. Jon has previously appeared on the Pine City stage in Bye Bye Birdie, The Music Man, and Noises Off. He’s excited for you to see his final performance as a hologram.