Celebrating 13 Years! Top Hat Theatre 2017-2018 Performing Arts Season Barry J. Houglum Auditorium 27 2nd Street NW, Ulen, MN 56585 218-596-8853 www.thetophattheatre.com
Welcome to our exciting 13th season, which includes a variety of great entertainment at an exceptional value! Remember, this is only possible because of the important partnerships within our community Friends of the Theatre, business sponsors, and the school district. We invite you to enjoy this season and all that it has to offer! All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, except for Deuces Wild on Friday, May 11, 2018, at the Barry J. Houglum Auditorium, Ulen, Minnesota. In the event a performance is cancelled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, Top Hat Theatre will make every effort to reschedule the performance. However, we can make no guarantees due to booking schedules of performers. If the weather is questionable, please check Top Hat Theatre s Facebook page or call 218-596-8262 for a recorded message. You can also sign up on Top Hat Theatre s website www.thetophattheatre.com to receive direct email message updates. Season Tickets in Person Season tickets are available at the Ulen-Hitterdal School office, Northwestern Bank in Ulen, and State Bank of Lake Park in Hitterdal. Cost is $75 for an individual ticket and $160 for a family (2 adults and 2 students; add $5 for each additional student). Season Tickets by Mail Send check to Ulen-Hitterdal School, PO Box 389, Ulen, MN 56585 (see form on pg. 7). You can either pick up opening night, or pay $2 mailing fee. Single Performance Tickets ($15 adult, $10 student) Tickets are available in the school office, or they may be reserved by calling 218-596-8853 or by email to Therese Vogel at tvogel@ulenhitterdal.k12.mn.us, and then picked up at the door the night of the show. They may also be ordered by credit card through Top Hat Theatre s website: www.thetophattheatre.com with no extra fees. Tickets will also be sold at the door unless a performance sells out. 2 www.thetophattheatre.com Top Hat Theatre
American Highway September 23, 2017 Music from the Heartland will take you on a journey a real road trip through the best of Americana roots and country-style music like what you hear on radio stations across America. Leave Minnesota with this musical wonder and head to Florida, back to New York and across the country to LA. We re talking about music from Johnny Cash, Chris Stapleton, John Denver, Bonnie Raitt, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many more! Redhead Express October 14, 2017 This four-sister folk/country/americana group is part of a remarkable family of musicians from Palmer, Alaska, who migrated south to Tennessee. Sharing exquisite harmonies, thought-provoking lyrics, and sisterly interaction, Kendra, LaRae, Alisa and Meghan Walker captivate audiences with authenticity, passion and heart. The music of the Redhead Express takes you back to your roots in a way that feels fresh and new. http://www.redheadexpress.com As you travel through the country during this show, you will also hear new music from band members and Nashville recording artists Chad Johnson and Jason Paulson. Together with a 5-piece band and narration from some of the country s top disc jockeys, the guys are ready to bring you on a memorable road trip with music from the Heartland. http://www.jasonpaulsonband.com/american-highway 3
Continental Ballet-Cinderella Cinderella and her prince make a heart-warming dream come true, in spite of her humorous stepfamily. Continental Ballet s founder/director Riet Velthusien created this arrangement of the music originally composed by Rossini. The ballet tells the traditional story of Cinderella, complete with fairies and a handsome prince. Cinderella is not invited to the ball, but through her kindness to a stranger, magical events happen that allow her to attend the ball and meet her prince. With exquisite dancing, as well as beautiful costumes and sets, this ballet is a delight for all ages. http://www.continentalballet.com 4 November 4, 2017 This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Sinatra & Company: - That Holiday Feeling That Holiday Feeling by Sinatra & Company is a fun-filled variety holiday show featuring the talents of award-winning vocalist Tim Patrick, accomplished singer and producer Colleen Raye and top-notch big-band vocalist Debbie O Keefe. Each brings their own brand of talent and charisma to the stage. You ll hear wonderful renditions of your holiday favorites put to music by musical director Todd Matheson and the 10-piece Blue Eyes Band. That Holiday Feeling features songs from the Andy Williams Collection ( Happy Holiday, Most Wonderful Time of the Year ), Karen Carpenter ( Merry Christmas, Darling ), Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters ( Jingle Bells ) and Nat King Cole ( The Christmas Song ). You ll also enjoy sing-alongs, audience participation and rousing versions of classic holiday tunes like Joy to the World, Ring Those Christmas Bells, O Holy Night, The Little Drummer Boy (as done by The Temptations) and more! This good-natured group of singers and musicians makes everyone feel at home the minute the show starts. And you re sure to go home with That Holiday Feeling in your heart! http://www.colleenraye.com December 2, 2017
Bob and the Beachcombers January 13, 2018 This all-ages family-fun show features the super surfing hits of the 60s, along with some of the classic rock-n-roll of the 50s and popular favorites from the 70s and 80s as well. But it s not just the music it s so much more... Bob & the Beachcombers bring the beach balls, the Hawaiian leis, the Hula Hoops and a fun beach-party attitude to guarantee a special summertime celebration, even in the middle of a Northern Minnesota January! http://bobandthebeachcombers.com Ginstrings February 10, 2018 A five-member string band from Minnesota that originally was formed as a traditional bluegrass group, but now has expanded beyond that scope. Containing members from diverse musical backgrounds, rich warm harmonies accompany their tasteful melodies and imaginative rhythms. Ginstrings composes original music that all listeners will enjoy. Their intriguing tunes and passionate performance are sure to resonate with your soul. http://ginstrings.com 5
Kordal Kombat March 10, 2018 Deuces Wild Friday, May 11, 2018 Kordal Kombat is a young a cappella barbershop quartet based out of central Minnesota. In 2013, they won both the Land O Lakes Novice Quartet championship and the festival s District Quartet championship making history for doing so in the same year. The guys of Kordal Kombat will deliver a fun, high-energy performance, with a variety of great music and lots of laughs for all ages. This award-winning group has opened for a Top Hat favorite, a cappella group Tonic Sol Fa, and performs styles from doo-wop to Motown to traditional and modern barbershop repertoire. These young men are an unstoppable wave of musical energy. http://www.kordalkombat.com Dave Eichholz and Ted Manderfeld bring their extraordinary talents together as Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos a piano variety act offering a Las Vegas style mix of musical comedy. For over 15 years they have traveled coast to coast in the United States as the most sought-after dueling piano act in the country. From classic rock, to country, to rap and pop, they do it all, and they do it hilariously well! Clap along, laugh along and sing along with Dave and Ted, Deuces Wild! http://www.wildpianos.com 6
Become a Friend of the Theatre An annual contribution is an important way for you to show your support of the arts in our community and to contribute to the experiences that have been close to your heart. Consider making a donation. Please complete the membership form below and return with your donation. Thank you! Soloist Chorus Director Producer Corporate Benefits of Membership: $25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$499 $500 & Over Tax-Deductible Donation x x x x x Name on Plaque x x x x Name in Program x x x Reception with Performer x x x Two Single Complimentary Tickets x x x Dinner for Two - Selected Performer x x Two Season Tickets x Season Tickets Available Through October 14, 2017 Mail Ticket Order Form individual season @ $75 each family season @ $160 $ $ $2 mailing fee (or pick up at the door) $ Name Address Phone Email Total Enclosed $ Friend of the Theatre 2017-2018 Membership Form Yes, I/we wish to support the Top Hat Theatre. Name Address City State Zip Telephone Email Please indicate your level of support below. Please check one. Soloist Chorus Director Producer Corporate $25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$499 $500 & Over How would you like your program listing to read? I/we do not wish to be listed on programs. Please make checks payable to Ulen-Hitterdal School and mail or drop off to Ulen-Hitterdal School P.O. Box 389 Ulen, MN 56585 7
September 23, 2017 American Highway October 14, 2017 Redhead Express November 4, 2017 Continental Ballet-Cinderella December 2, 2017 Sinatra & Company Christmas January 13, 2018 Bob and the Beachcombers February 10, 2018 Ginstrings March 10, 2018 Kordal Kombat May 11, 2018 Deuces Wild P.O. Box 389 Ulen, MN 56585 Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Permit #5 Ulen, MN 56585