Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre to stage ‘The Foreigner’ this summer

WINONA, Minn. — Actors from Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, South Dakota and Minnesota will soon be arriving for the second season of Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre at Saint Mary’s University.

The professional actors of Gilmore Creek will present “The Foreigner” and “Little Shop of Horrors” in repertory with the children’s story “The Mouse Expedition” July 10 through Aug. 3. “The Foreigner” and “Little Shop of Horrors” will be staged at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre, and audiences can catch “The Mouse Expedition” at the Valéncia Academy Theatre, located at 1164 W. 10th St.

“The Foreigner” demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters must deal with a stranger who (they think) knows no English. The locals of a rural Georgian fishing lodge are told that an innocent, shy young man named Charlie speaks no English. As the plot progresses, Charlie overhears more than he should: the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; the fact that the minister's pretty fiancée is pregnant; and many other damaging revelations — made with the thought that Charlie doesn't understand a word being said. The wildly funny climax separates the “bad guys,” and the “good guys” and ensures a happy ending.

The show has become a staple of community theatre and repertory companies throughout the country because of its memorable and absurd characters, the hilarious plot line, and the wit of the dialogue. These finely developed aspects of the play allow for endless interpretations of the drama, so that no matter where you last saw it, or what company produced it, the play will provide the audience a unique experience.

The author of “The Foreigner,” Larry Shue, was born in New Orleans, La., in 1946. After serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, he began his career as a professional actor and playwright — appearing in the soap opera One Live to Live, in New York theatre and in a few films.

As playwright-in-residence at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, two of his best-known plays were written and produced: “The Nerd,” 1981, and “The Foreigner,” 1983. Both went on to be produced on Broadway, winning two Obies and two New York Drama Critic Awards. Sadly, Shue's success was short-lived. He died in the crash of a commuter plane in Virginia at the age of 39.

Returning Gilmore Creek director Steve Snyder guarantees the professional cast will bring their own unique take on Shue’s colorful characters. Pulling talent in from throughout the Midwest and beyond insures the cast will bring to the stage different accents, views of the character development, and view of the plot’s actions.

Tickets are available for any of the Gilmore Creek shows from the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, during summer office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or online anytime at www.pagetheater.org. Tickets to “The Foreigner” and “Little Shop of Horrors” are $20; $18 for seniors or $12 for youth ages 12-18. Family and group packages are available. Tickets to “The Mouse Expedition” are $8.

Saint Mary’s offers summer residential camps

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is offering a variety of residential sports camps this summer. To register, go to www.smumn.edu/sportscamps or call (507) 457-6973.

Hockey Camp
Resident – $595 • Commuter – $495
• Squirts (ages 8-10) — June 15-20
• Pee-Wees (ages 11-12) — June 15-20
• Youth Girls (ages 9-12) — July 13-18
• High School Girls (ages 13-16) — July 13-18
*Winona Youth Hockey players can receive a special commuter rate of $195 per session (excluding girls high school)

Hosting: Mid-States Swim Camp — June 8-19

Hosting: Winona Figure Skating Club Turning Point Camp — July 27-31 (new in 2008)

Boys and Girls Basketball Camp
Resident – $350 • Commuter – $300
Grades 5-10 — July 13-17

Girls Volleyball Camp
Resident – $350 • Commuter – $300
Grades 6-8 — July 20-24
Grades 9-12 — July 27-31 (almost full)

SMU youth sports camps offer outstanding facilities, professional coaching, good food, and innovative and creative instruction within a well-supervised environment.

Students will work on individualized skills, as well as team play. Athletic trainers are on site, and all camps are run by SMU coaches and players. Rates include instruction, housing, meals and a shirt. For more information, call (507) 457-6973 or e-mail
conferencing&camps@smumn.edu.

MCA announces summer dance, theatre classes, workshops, and camps

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will offer summer programming June 9 – Aug. 1.

Community classes and camps are offered for children (ages 3 and older) to adults and include:

Dance Day Camp - Dance the Day Away
• June 9-13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., for ages 9–12, tuition: $150
• Ballet, jazz, modern, choreography, theory courses, and a final showcase performance

Dance Day Camp - Dance Me a Story
• June 16-19, 1 to 3:30 p.m., and June 20, 1 to 4 p.m., for ages 5–8, tuition: $100
• Ballet, jazz, creative movement, and a final showcase performance

Teen/Adult Workshops
• Class offerings will include: dance fitness, piyo, clogging I & II, musical theatre dance, and teen and adult tap.
• June 9 through July 21, tuition varies

Intermediate/Advanced Workshops
• Class offerings will include: ballet/pointe, tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop
• June 9-19, tuition varies

Creative Movement
• June 10, 12, 17 and 19, 4-4:30 p.m., for children ages 3-4, tuition: $25
• Introduction to the dance class setting using creative movement techniques

Theatre Day Camp – Welcome to Theatre
• June 23-26, 1 to 3 p.m., and June 27, 1 to 4 p.m., for children entering grades three through five, tuition: $100
• Theatre games, acting, movement, and a final showcase performance

Theatre Day Camp – Explore Theatre
• June 23-26, 10 a.m. to noon, and June 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for youth entering grades six through eight, tuition: $100
• Theatre games, acting, movement, and a final showcase performance

Boys Dance Workshops
• July 21-24, 11 a.m. to noon, ages 8-16, tuition: $50
• Study with visiting guest artists Allen Fields and Tony Smith!

Theatre Day Camp – Theatre Immersion
• July 28-Aug 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for youth entering grades seven through 12, tuition: $150
• Acting, musical theatre, stage combat, puppetry, behind-the-scenes, make-up, and a final showcase performance
• Study with professional actors from the Gilmore Creek Summer

“Summer dance and theatre camps are a great extracurricular activity for youth. They help them build self-esteem, create a daily venue for movement and exercise, and offer a great place to meet new friends," said Christine Martin, managing director of MCA.

The Conservatory summer dance classes also offer excellent opportunities for adults. All adult classes are held during the evenings. Additionally, workshops in ballet/pointe, tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop for intermediate and advanced teens and college-aged students are available.

All MCA classes, workshops, and camps are held at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St., Winona. Tuition for summer classes varies depending on class length and level. Dance Technique for Boys can be registered for at no charge through MCA’s tuition-free boys programs.

Registration for summer classes, workshops and camps is currently being accepted at the Valéncia Arts Center or registration may be mailed to: 1164 West 10th St., Winona, MN 55987.

For more information and registration materials, visit www.smumn.edu/mca, e-mail dance@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University.

Saint Mary’s Ron Weimer receives Illinois college admission award

WINONA, Minn. — Ron Weimer, associate director for admission at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, received the 2008 Patricia A. Kasowski Recognition Award from the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling.

This award, presented to Weimer on May 1, was inaugurated in 1974 to recognize long and meritorious service to the admission profession, the demonstration of leadership, and service with distinction. The Kasowski Award is the highest honor bestowed on an IACAC member.

A lifelong resident of the Chicago area, Weimer earned a bachelor’s degree from Lewis University. He has served students in the admission profession for 23 years. Prior to his employment at Saint Mary’s, he represented Lewis University and Illinois College. He joined the admission staff at SMU in 2001.

His territory includes areas within the Chicago area, as well as Colorado. Weimer has been especially instrumental in building relationships with students and staff at the Noble Street Charter Schools and Cristo Rey schools. He has mentored a significant number of first-generation college students and supported their success at SMU throughout their college experience.

Julie Nelson, past-president of IACAC, told event attendees, “In all of his interactions, our recipient’s true interest in and concern for others is apparent, whether he’s known that person for 20 years or 20 seconds.”

Saint Mary’s offers summer baseball, basketball camps

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is once again offering summer sports camps, directed by SMU coaches, staff and players. Enroll today; camps fill early and space is limited. Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/sportscamps.

The Cardinal Youth Baseball League runs June 10 through July 17 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cotter Fields. The cost is $65 per player (and includes a T-shirt and hat). Families with two or more players are eligible for a $55 per-player rate. Register according to the grades participants will enter in fall of 2008.

Leagues include:
• Rookie League (Cotter Soccer Field) — Entering grades 2 and 3, 6 p.m. (coach-pitched/coached by parents)
• American League (Cotter Softball Field) — Entering grades 4 and 5, 5:30 or 7 p.m. (machine-pitched/coached by parents)
• National League (Cotter Softball Field) — Entering grades 6 and 7, 9 or 10:30 a.m. (player-pitched/coached by high school and college coaches including former SMU coach and new Cotter coach Nick Whaley)

This league is designed to help players enhance their ability to enjoy the game of baseball through proper instruction, supervision, and practice of fundamental skills necessary to play the game effectively. Prior to every game, players will receive instruction and training from their coach. After the practice session, players will compete in a 5- or 6-inning game against another team from the league.

Parents and coaches should meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, in the dining hall on the second floor of the Toner Student Center at the SMU campus to discuss scheduling, clinics, placement, and coaching.

The Boys & Girls Basketball Day Camp runs June 16-19 from 9 to 1 a.m. daily in SMU’s gym and Gostomski Fieldhouse. The cost is $70 per player (and includes a T-shirt & ball). Through the K-6 and 7-8 youth day camps, the younger players will be introduced to and taught the basic fundamentals of basketball, and the older players will be challenged to develop their basketball skills. The camp utilizes a variety of innovative teaching methods, drills and contests. Every aspect of the camp is designed to provide participants with valuable skills and a memorable experience — filled with friendship and fun.

Kabara receives honorary doctorate from Saint Mary’s

Dr. Jon Kabara of Galena, Ill., receives an honorary doctorate from Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, chancellor of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, left, and Michael Meagher, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees, right.


Dr. Jon Kabara addresses the Saint Mary’s University graduates of 2008, while Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, chancellor of Saint Mary’s, looks on.

WINONA, Minn. — During its undergraduate commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awarded an honorary Doctorate of Ethical Leadership to Dr. Jon Kabara, a 1948 alumnus from Galena, Ill.

Dr. Kabara has dedicated his life to medical research. He served as a professor at the University of Detroit and later Michigan State University for more than 30 years, and in 1969, he helped establish the first affiliated school of osteopathic medicine at a major university (Michigan State). An expert in the field of dietary fats and oils, Dr. Kabara has been awarded more than 16 U.S. and foreign patents and is credited with more than 200 publications, including eight books.

In 2005, Dr. Kabara and his wife, Betty, began their commitment of supporting the growth of entrepreneurship at SMU. Through a transformational gift, they established the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.

The lifelong entrepreneur had this advice for students, “Make ‘ethical business’ more than an oxymoron term. As leaders for the next generation, our country/world needs your special talents and efforts to help form a truly peaceful global economy.”

Dr. Kabara also encourages students to have a passion for what they do: “My final piece of advice is this secret; if you can dream it, you can make it happen. So dream big.”

Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre tickets go on sale May 12

WINONA, Minn. — Audiences in search of light-hearted comedy will laugh their way through the second season of Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre. The children’s production premiere of “The Mouse Expedition” has been added to the professional theatre company’s summer lineup, which also includes the popular musical “Little Shop of Horrors” and the hilarious comedy “The Foreigner.”

All shows run July through August in rotation. “The Mouse Expedition” will be staged at the Valéncia Academy Theatre, located at 10th and Vila streets; the other two performances will be held at Page Theatre, located in the Saint Mary’s University Performance Center.

Tickets — on sale starting Monday, May 12 — will be available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and online at www.smumn.edu/gilmorecreek. Tickets for “Little Shop of Horrors” and “The Foreigner” are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $12 for youth ages 12 to 18. Family and group rates are available. Tickets for “The Mouse Expedition” are $8 for all seats, with family and group packages available.

Judy Myers, returning for a second year as artistic director, is excited to bring in two familiar classic comedies, as well a new children’s production this summer.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” follows Seymour, a down-and-out skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant, which he names Audrey II, with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon Audrey II grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore that offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. Audrey II finally reveals itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination. Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, this musical is based on the film by Roger Corman and screenplay by Charles Griffith.

“The Foreigner” by Larry Shue demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters must deal with a stranger who (they think) knows no English. The locals of a rural Georgian fishing lodge are told that an innocent, shy young man named Charlie speaks no English. As the plot progresses, Charlie overhears more than he should: the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; the fact that the minister's pretty fiancée is pregnant; and many other damaging revelations made with the thought that Charlie doesn't understand a word being said. The wildly funny climax separates the "bad guys," and the “good guys” and ensures a happy ending.

In “The Mouse Expedition,” Henry and Caroline Goldthwaite open a special present from their father and get a big surprise. Written by Erin Malcolm and Brian Blankenship, “The Mouse Expedition” is an exciting, high-energy audience participation children’s show. The play follows the journey of Henry and Caroline as they travel through the forest in search of four lost mice children. On the way, they meet lots of quirky characters and face many challenges that require the audience’s help to get through. The show is suitable for children ages 4 and older.
“The Foreigner” will be directed by Steve Snyder, a faculty member of Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., who returns to GCST after having directed last summer’s successful production of “Lend Me a Tenor.” “The Mouse Expedition” will be directed by Sarah St. Laurent, and Myers will direct “Little Shop of Horrors.” Gary Diomandes will again serve as GCST’s artistic associate and Kit Mayer is returning as production manager and resident scene designer. Anthony Freeman will serve as the musical director and Christine Martin as choreographer on “Little Shop of Horrors.”


Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre Schedule
July 10 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
July 11 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
July 12 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
July 13 “Little Shop of Horrors” 3 p.m.

July 17 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
July 18 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
July 19 “The Mouse Expedition” 3 p.m.
July 19 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.

July 20 “The Foreigner” 3 p.m.
July 22 “The Mouse Expedition” 6 p.m.
July 24 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
July 25 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
July 26 “The Mouse Expedition” 1 p.m.
July 26 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.

July 27 “Little Shop of Horrors” 3 p.m.
July 29 “The Mouse Expedition” 6 p.m.
July 31 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.

August 1 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
August 2 “The Mouse Expedition” 10 a.m.
August 2 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
August 3 “The Foreigner” 3 p.m.

Saint Mary's commencement ceremonies are May 10

WINONA, Minn. — On Saturday, May 10, the Winona campus of Saint Mary's University will host two commencement ceremonies to mark the end of the academic year.

The Winona campus undergraduate commencement will begin at 11 a.m. in the gymnasium; approximately 250 students will participate in the commencement ceremony. Student perspectives will be offered by this year's Outstanding Male and Female Seniors, Kevin Black and Anastacia Sontag.

Saint Mary’s will also award an honorary doctorate to Dr. Jon Kabara, a 1948 alumnus from Galena, Ill. Dr. Kabara has dedicated his life to medical research. He served as a professor at the University of Detroit and later Michigan State University for more than 30 years, and in 1969, he helped establish the first affiliated school of osteopathic medicine at a major university (Michigan State). An expert in the field of dietary fats and oils, Dr. Kabara has been awarded more than 16 U.S. and foreign patents and is credited with more than 200 publications, including eight books. In 2005, Dr. Kabara and his wife, Betty, began their commitment of supporting the growth of entrepreneurship at SMU. Through a transformational gift, they established the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.

Approximately 560 students will participate in the Winona campus Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs commencement, beginning at 4 p.m. in the gymnasium. Degrees will be conferred in the following areas: graduate certificate in Instruction, M.A. Instruction, M.A. International Business, M.A. Pastoral Administration, M.A. Pastoral Ministries, M.A. Philanthropy and Development, M.S. in Geographic Information Science, and M.Ed. Teaching and Learning. Student perspectives will be offered by Beverly Koopman, M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning, and Ryan Hughes, M.S. in Geographic Information Science.

Receptions on the plaza will follow both ceremonies. In case of inclement weather, the receptions will be held in Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Prior to the ceremonies, a Baccalaureate Mass will take place in the gymnasium at 8:30 a.m.

The Saint Mary's Nairobi campus will also host its commencement ceremony on May 10. The Twin Cities campus commencement ceremonies are June 8.

Dance Repertory Company to perform May 16-17 at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — The 2007-08 performance season at Saint Mary’s University concludes with the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, Dance Chronicles, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, in Page Theatre, located in the SMU Performance Center.

For more than three decades, the Dance Repertory Company has delighted the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. This year the DRC presents a concert featuring contemporary ballet, jazz, modern, tap and hip hop.

Performed by the dancers who currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, Dance Chronicles will showcase their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.

“This concert has something for everyone,” said Christine Martin, director. “The audience will be impressed with the dancers’ strong technique and artistry, and will enjoy the stories told through dance. This show will have you laughing and crying.”

Students performing in Dance Chronicles have had the opportunity to work with visiting guest artists as well as current MCA faculty. Choreographers include: Jessica Draskoci-Johnson, Dustyn Martincich, Juliana Piscitiello, and Tammy Schmidt.

Cast members in Dance Chronicles include: Dot Armstrong, Chris Bernard, Clara Bruner, Jackson Bryant, Madeleine Bryant, Trisha Crichton, Heidi Delaney, Jessica Draskoci-Johnson, Keegan Eide, Lydia Feuerhelm, Katie Harbinson, Sara Havran, Jody Heitman, Caitlin Kaman, Kate Larson, Sydney Larson, Rebekah Mulkey, Molly Padden, Juliana Piscitiello, Danielle Schleich, Alyssa Schneider, Kyle Schneider, Jennifer Severson, Claire Smart, Mark Sopchyk, Erika Spande, Lexy Valentine, Adelle Vietor, Jacqueline Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, and Anna Wolner.

The Dance Repertory Company is the youth performing troupe of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes and stage performances. Past productions of the company include: The Firebird, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Excerpts from Swan Lake, Cinderella, The Goodman Suite, Youth In Motion, Tappin' to Connick, and Pure Entertainment.

Tickets to the performances cost $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. The Page Theatre will admit children ages 5 and older to the May 16 performance. The May 17 performance is considered a family event; children ages 2 and older are invited to attend. At this time the Page Theatre/SMU Performance Center facilities and programs are not equipped to serve the needs of infants. Tickets are available t www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the SMU Box Office at (507) 457-1715.