Notes from Terry after the musical

There are always people to thank “after the play is over;” for last minute preparation and for helping with strike (the taking down, packing and putting away of all of our production stock).  This year we’d like to give a shout out to Jan and Andy Pitas for their last minute set completion; our clean-up crew – Bill Jetzer, Kelly Jetzer, Max Jetzer, Molly Jetzer, Ian Jetzer, Evan Rutherford, Dave Rutherford, Jan Veloff, Jessica Veloff, Kevin Boutelle, Anna Neidhart, Jackie Neidhart, Sarah Fritz, Brandon Fritz and Pastor Phil.

In case you missed the show, Pastor Phil made a DVD of the 2nd service performance.  Borrow a copy and root for our talented cast - Brenda Boutelle, Lily Cunningham, Mia Cunningham, Brandon Fritz, Ben Hilgers, John Hilgers, Maddy Hilsenhoff, Ellie Horsnell, Sam Horsnell, Amelia Hust, Ian Jetzer, Max Jetzer, Molly Jetzer, Anna Neidhart, Mikos Pitas, Aly Rutherford, Evan Rutherford, Natalie Schad and Katy Von Der Heide. Kayta Gruneberg, Jessica Veloff, Ryan Moffat and Kevin Boutelle assisted with hair, make-up and scene changes and Connie Von Der Heide produced her usual magic at the keyboard.  It takes a village (or, a congregation)

Many thanks for the flowers and generous gift card.  I am looking forward to exploring all of the “Buy Local” participants.

Last but not least, let’s remember someone who was there in spirit, Loma Klossner. Loma spearheaded our “touring performances” at the Chapel Valley Apartment complexes for the last few years.  We look forward to adding those back into our schedule next year . . . when we will be presenting “The Fourth Wiseman, or Camels Know Best.”  Stay tuned!

“Bear’s Place,” the sanctuary/hospice/farm that is part of Terry’s “Other Life,” would like to let all the kids know that we have had to say “Good-bye” to Rage, Jean-Pierre and Bella.  Some of their best times were at cast parties, surrounded by friends.  In particular, Rage got some good cuddling when Anna, Eliza, Maddy and Natalie worked in the yard the day before the spring play. 

Calling one and all – it’s time to attack the garlic mustard (and play with the animals, of course)!  On Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, the 15th of May, “Bear’s Place” is having work days starting at 1:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be provided and dinner (wieners, brats and marshmallows over the bonfire) will be around 6:00 p.m. Bring work gloves and digging tools if you have them.  Come anytime!  Sign-Up sheets are in the Narthex Niche (not necessary to sign up . . . just helps for us to have enough food on hand!).

Back by popular demand . . . several of you were able to enjoy Terry’s performance as Florence Foster Jenkins in the two-person production of “Souvenir” back in 2009.  She and Taras Nahirniak are reprising their roles for a 9-show run beginning Friday the 6th of May at the Bartell Theatre.  The show is suitable for the entire family (although those under the age of 6 might not find enough “action” to keep them enthralled) and there is a matinee on Mother’s Day (hint, hint)!  It is produced by Madison Theatre Guild and tickets are available through their website.  Hope to see many Memorial Friends in the audience!

Terry Kiss Frank

Peace for My People: The Story of Esther

Our children's spring musical, March 27, 2011

You can watch highlights on You Tube by clicking on the photo.

Here is our cast and crew: Brenda Boutelle, Lily Cunningham, Mia Cunningham, Brandon Fritz, Ben Hilgers, John Hilgers, Maddy Hilsenhoff, Ellie Horsnell, Sam Horsnell, Amelia Hust, Ian Jetzer, Max Jetzer, Molly Jetzer, Anna Neidhart, Mikos Pitas, Aly Rutherford, Evan Rutherford, Natalie Schad and Katy Von Der Heide. Kayta Gruneberg, Jessica Veloff, Ryan Moffat and Kevin Boutelle assisted with hair, make-up and scene changes and Connie Von Der Heide produced her usual magic at the keyboard.  It takes a village (or, a congregation)

There are always people to thank “after the play is over;” for last minute preparation and for helping with strike (the taking down, packing and putting away of all of our production stock).  This year we’d like to give a shout out to Jan and Andy Pitas for their last minute set completion; our clean-up crew – Bill Jetzer, Kelly Jetzer, Max Jetzer, Molly Jetzer, Ian Jetzer, Evan Rutherford, Dave Rutherford, Jan Veloff, Jessica Veloff, Kevin Boutelle, Anna Neidhart, Jackie Neidhart, Sarah Fritz, Brandon Fritz and Pastor Phil.

Greener Pastures for Honest Abe - or - Too Many Gods

Our children’s spring musical - May 2, 2010

When Abraham was a teenager, he got frustrated just like teens do in our times. For Abe, one of the frustrations was that he thought he was working too hard creating all those statues of idols for the people to worship.

So eventually, Abe went off on a journey along with his wife-to-be (Sarah), his brother, and three goats, who look remarkably like some of our youngsters.  He is searching for just one god, mostly so he won’t have to keep making all those idols. He also can’t figure out why there would be so many gods if there is just one creator. Along the way, he discovers there is just one God and in the process, introduced the world to monotheism – the worship of just one God.

Now Abraham’s descendants are as numerous as the stars. Some are Jewish, some are Christian, some are Muslim, but they all embrace the concept of one God.

Terry Kiss Frank has created another delightful production and 21 of our young people are in it. You will not only marvel at their talent and you will not only laugh at their antics, but you will also understand a little bit better what a huge role Abe … er, Abraham … played in our understanding of God.

All You Need is Courage - 2009

 “All You Need is Courage” was an original musical play written by Terry Kiss Frank and performed by the students and friends of Memorial UCC.  It was about the brave midwives and their families who found a way to stand up to Pharaoh’s harshest decree. The students had input into the storyline and character development, resulting in a truly unique interpretation of the Bible. You can see photos from that production here.