LANESBORO, MN — The company members of the Commonweal Theatre in historic Lanesboro, MN are pleased to continue their reopening efforts to offer professional live theatre performances following a season of only virtual productions in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. “We are all extremely grateful to be back at work producing live theatre,” says Producing Artistic Director Hal Cropp, “and truly hope that we are one of the ways of restoring peace and healing to our community and region.” For detailed information regarding the reopening and for the most updated COVID19 related details for the company, please visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org.
The 2021 Season at the Commonweal continues with the enlightening and awareness-raising play Dancing Lessons by Mark St. Germain opening on Saturday, May 29th. Senga Quinn is a brilliant dancer whose world crumbles after a life-changing accident. Ever Montgomery is a brilliant college professor with Asperger’s syndrome. Their worlds intertwine when he appears at her door with a bizarre proposition—he will pay her an outrageous sum if she will teach him a few dance moves for an upcoming banquet. Their sudden physical closeness collides with their emotional distance, unleashing a torrent of feelings in this tender, unpredictable romance.
Dancing Lessons is directed by Rachel Kuhnle and will feature Commonweal professional resident ensemble members Lizzy Andretta as Senga Quinn and Josiah Laubenstein as Ever Montgomery. Stage Manager Rivka Kelly leads the production team consisting of designers Stela Burdt (sound), Kelsey Heathcote (sets), Jaclyn Johnson (costumes), Adrienne Sweeney, Elizabeth Dunn (props), and Paul Epton (lights). The production will play in both the spring and summer repertory schedules and close on Sunday, August 29th. Dancing Lessons contains adult language and themes and is recommended for mature audiences only
In an effort to continue to comply with all federal and state COVID-19 mandates, the Commonweal will continue to diligently follow specific restrictions for attendance. Currently, there is limited audience capacity and all parties will be assigned seats (no general admission) six feet apart from other parties to ensure safe social distancing. Mask usage is mandatory at all times while inside the theatre with no health-related alternatives allowed. All reservations must be made by calling the box office at 800-657-7025, paid in advance at least 24 hours prior to the performance and no walk-up tickets will be available at the box office. A full performance calendar is now available on the Commonweal website.
For any and all patrons unable or unwilling to attend in person, the production will be made available for viewing via streaming Saturday evenings on the Commonweal website. Streaming of the production will also be available free of charge on June 4th to residents of Fillmore and Houston counties in MN as a part of the company’s popular County Free Night Program. For more information on how to take advantage of the streaming opportunities, please visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org.
Funding for Commonweal Theatre’s 2021 programming is provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant from the McKnight Foundation, and private funders.
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