Commentary; Posted: 7/13/05
Great summer theater right here in FL
By Cliff Buchan
Based on the attendance at last weekís opening round of ìThe Sound of Music,î it would seem this Masquers Theatre Co. summer production is one of the best kept secrets in town. Why the attendance isnít better for this popular Broadway musical is a mystery and a shame.
Perhaps it was the beautiful summer weekend that kept people home. Perhaps there was still the hangover affect of the Fourth of July weekend as families unwound from their entertaining.
Whatever the reason, attendance levels for the July 8-10 opening performance was nowhere near what Masquers would like to see and seriously needs.
There are indications that the summer of 2005 may be a make or break season for the local theater company that has been entertaining the public here since 1976. And that is troubling. What would Forest Lake be without a local theater troop of the caliber of Masquers Theatre Company?
Good communities are built on the strength of their schools, parks, civic organizations, churches, community celebrations and yes, the arts. It would be a serious blow to the reputation of Forest Lake if Masquers Theatre were to bow from existence.
Weíve long believed the Forest Lake area was one with a deep appreciation for the arts in all form.
Hundreds from Forest Lake drive to Bethel College each spring to soak in the music and singing of Forest Lake High School bands and choirs.
When The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra came to Forest Lake High School for a special one-night fund-raising benefit in early June, the high school auditorium was sold out.
Both events are evidence that this area can and will support the arts in some form.
We believe Masquers deserves no less support.
In the production of ìThe Sound of Music,î the public is given one of the best musicals of all time with some of the most memorable songs to ever hit Broadway and the silver screen. The local cast is well suited for this production. From the vocals of the songbird Heidi Saari Leeson as Maria to the humorous lines and guitar playing tasks for Doniver Ahlm as Max, this play is sure to please and entertain people of all ages.
The summer play continues all this month with 7 p.m. performances July 14-16, July 21-23 and July 28-29 with two 2 p.m. performances on Saturday, July 16 and Saturday, July 23. All performances are in the air-conditioned high school theater auditorium.
We believe the many longstanding Masquers patrons of past years will turn out to support this effort. We challenge the many newcomers to the Forest Lake area to take an evening or afternoon and explore a facet of their community that they may know little about. For our new residents, we believe they will have their eyes opened to a wonderful part of Forest Lake and meet many of their new neighbors.
Make no mistake that the support is needed if Masquers is to survive to see another summer season. Putting on stage plays does not happen by magic and the cost of a production can only be offset by the ticket-buying public.
Take the time this summer and show all of those who invest time and energy for the simple love of the stage that their efforts are valued and appreciated.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605