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 entertain- ment 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 Fri- day, May 11, 2018, at the Barry J. Houglum Auditorium, Ulen, Minnesota. In the event a performance is cancelled due to inclement weather or other un- foreseen 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 [email protected], 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 AmericanSeptember 23, 2017 Highway Redhead ExpressOctober 14, 2017

Music from the Heartland will take you on a journey—a real road trip—through the best This four-sister folk/country/Americana group is part of a remarkable family of musi- of Americana roots and country-style music like what you hear on radio stations across cians from Palmer, Alaska, who migrated south to Tennessee. Sharing exquisite harmonies, America. Leave Minnesota with this musical wonder and head to Florida, back to New thought-provoking lyrics, and sisterly interaction, Kendra, LaRae, Alisa and Meghan Walker York and across the country to LA. We’re talking about music from Johnny Cash, Chris captivate audiences with authenticity, passion and heart. The music of the Redhead Express Stapleton, John Denver, Bonnie Raitt, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd and takes you back to your roots in a way that feels fresh and new. many more! 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. To- gether 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 November 4, 2017 Sinatra- “That Holiday & Feeling” Company: Cinderella and her prince make a heart-warming dream come true, in spite of her humor- December 2, 2017 ous stepfamily. Continental Ballet’s founder/director Riet Velthusien created this arrange- “That Holiday Feeling” by Sinatra & Company is a fun-filled variety holiday show featuring ment of the music originally composed by Rossini. the talents of award-winning vocalist Tim Patrick, accomplished singer and producer Col- leen Raye and top-notch big-band vocalist Debbie O’Keefe. Each brings their own brand of The ballet tells the traditional story of Cinderella, complete with fairies and a handsome talent and charisma to the stage. You’ll hear wonderful renditions of your holiday favorites prince. Cinderella is not invited to the ball, but through her kindness to a stranger, magical put to music by musical director Todd Matheson and the 10-piece Blue Eyes Band. events happen that allow her to attend the ball and meet her prince. With exquisite danc- “That Holiday Feeling” features songs from the Andy Williams Collection (“Happy Holiday,” ing, as well as beautiful costumes and sets, this ballet is a delight for all ages. “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”), Karen Carpenter (“Merry Christmas, Darling”), Bing http://www.continentalballet.com 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 This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota minute the show starts. And through grants from the Lake you’re sure to go home with Region Arts Council, thanks “That Holiday Feeling” in to a legislative appropriation your heart! from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. http://www.colleenraye.com 4 February 10, 2018 Bob and the BeachcombersJanuary 13, 2018 Ginstrings This all-ages family-fun show features the super surfing hits of the ’60s, along with some of A five-member string band from Minnesota that originally was formed as a traditional the classic rock-n-roll of the ’50s and popular favorites from the ’70s and ’80s as well. But bluegrass group, but now has expanded beyond that scope. Containing members from it’s not just the music—it’s so much more . . . diverse musical backgrounds, rich warm harmonies accompany their tasteful melodies and imaginative rhythms. Ginstrings composes original music that all listeners will enjoy. Their Bob & the Beachcombers bring the beach balls, the Hawaiian leis, the Hula Hoops and a fun intriguing tunes and passionate performance are sure to resonate with your soul. beach-party attitude to guarantee a special summertime celebration, even in the middle of a Northern Minnesota January! http://bobandthebeachcombers.com http://ginstrings.com

5 March 10, 2018 Friday, May 11, 2018

Kordal Kombat is a young a cappellaKombat barbershop quartet based out of central Minnesota. DeucesDave Eichholz and Ted Manderfeld Wild bring their extraordinary talents together as Deuces Wild In 2013, they won both the Land O’ Lakes Novice Quartet championship and the festival’s Dueling Pianos—a piano variety act offering a Las Vegas–style mix of musical comedy. For District Quartet championship—making history for doing so in the same year. The guys of over 15 years they have traveled coast to coast in the United States as the most sought-after Kordal Kombat will deliver a fun, high-energy performance, with a variety of great music dueling piano act in the country. and lots of laughs for all ages. From classic rock, to country, to rap and pop, they do it all, and they do it hilariously well! This award-winning group has opened for a Top Hat favorite, a cappella group Tonic Sol Clap along, laugh along and sing along with Dave and Ted, Deuces Wild! Fa, and performs styles from doo-wop to Motown to traditional and modern barbershop http://www.wildpianos.com repertoire. These young men are an unstoppable wave of musical energy. http://www.kordalkombat.com

6 Become a “Friend of the Theatre” Season Tickets Available Through October 14, 2017 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 Mail Ticket Order Form complete the membership form below and return with your donation. Thank you! ______individual season @ $75 each $______

Soloist Chorus Director Producer Corporate ______family season @ $160 $______Benefits of Membership: $25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$499 $500 & Over Tax-Deductible Donation x x x x x $2 mailing fee (or pick up at the door) $______Name on Plaque x x x x Total Enclosed $______Name in Program x x x Reception with Performer x x x Name ______Two Single Complimentary Tickets x x x Address ______Dinner for Two - Selected Performer x x Two Season Tickets x Phone ______Email ______

Please indicate your level of support below. Please check one. Friend of the Theatre Please make checks payable to 2017-2018 Membership Form Soloist Chorus Director Producer Corporate Ulen-Hitterdal School and mail Yes, I/we wish to support the Top Hat Theatre. $25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$499 $500 & Over or drop off to Name ______Address ______Ulen-Hitterdal School How would you like your program listing to read? City______State ______Zip ______P.O. Box 389 ______Ulen, MN 56585 Telephone ______Email ______I/we do not wish to be listed on programs. 7 September 23, 2017 Non-Profit Organization US Postage American Highway October 14, 2017 PAID Permit #5 Ulen, MN 56585 Redhead Express P.O. Box 389 November 4, 2017 Ulen, MN 56585

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