Photo: Commonweal Theatre
LANESBORO, MN — The Commonweal Theatre in historic Lanesboro, MN is pleased to announce the opening of its second production in the 2022 season: Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig. This sparkling screwball comedy begins preview performances on Saturday, May 14, with opening night on Saturday, May 21. For more details and to purchase your tickets, visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org or call (800) 657-7025.
Leading Ladies follows two down-on-their-luck actors stuck performing Shakespeare on the Moose Lodge Circuit in Amish country. Upon learning that a local millionaire may not be long for this world, they hatch a plot: they’ll masquerade as her long-lost relatives, make off with the fortune, and solve all their problems with her cash. But things go topsy-turvy when the actors fall in love with a roller-skating waitress and a theatre-loving heiress.
Director and resident company member Jaclyn June Johnson says the zaniness runs alongside a lot of heart. “At its core, it’s a play about believing in oneself and surrounding oneself with people who believe in you too.” She also thinks the play is well suited for the Commonweal ensemble. “With elaborate plotting, funny disguises, marriage proposals, and a whole lot of money at stake, these characters are both hilarious and earnest, the perfect combination for Commonweal’s talented actors.”
The cast of Leading Ladies is one of the largest ensembles to appear on the Commonweal stage since 2019. It features resident company members Lizzy Andretta, David Hennessey, Josiah Laubenstein, and Tim Sailer. Joining them are three members of the 2023 apprentice class—Grace Cummings, John B. Nicol, and Tanner Sabol—along with local community member Sandy Webb.
The stage management team includes Rivka Kelly (rehearsal stage manager), Jodi Rushing (performance stage manager), and Sara Hueser (assistant stage manager). The creative team comprises Betti Battocletti (choreography), Stela Burst (properties), Paul Epton (lights), Justin Hooper (set), Kim Murphy (costumes), and Brandt Roberts (sound), and Jeremy van Meter (fights and intimacy).
Funding for Commonweal Theatre’s 2022 programming is provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; a grant from the McKnight Foundation; and private funders. Additionally, Peterson Creative Photography & Design is an underwriter for Leading Ladies.
All performances of Leading Ladies are at the Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Avenue North, in downtown Lanesboro. Tickets are $35 with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups of ten or more. Employees and residents of Fillmore and Houston Counties (MN) are offered free admission to the County Free Night performance on Thursday, May 19. There is also a Pay What You Can performance for any audience member on Thursday, May 26 (no county restrictions). For details on all performance dates and the company’s current COVID policies, visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (800) 657-7025.
(Commonweal Theatre)
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
