If grief and laughter ever danced together on stage, the choreography would look a whole lot like Exit Laughing. Directed by Thomas J. Dougherty-Rosengren, this riotous production at The Barn Theatre in Willmar proves that the best medicine for sorrow might just be a belly laugh, a tear-away stripper costume, and a leopard-print blouse. Its final weekend is this Thursday through Sunday, September 25-28. Show times are 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with Sunday's performance being a 2 p.m. matinee.
The show is an uproarious, heartfelt reminder that when life hands you loss, you borrow your best friend's ashes from the funeral home and play one last game of bridge.
At least, that's the premise. But the real magic lies in the alchemy of a cast that is perfectly suited to their roles, a crew that works like magicians behind the scenes, and a theatre community that knows how to support a production from start to finish. This is not just a play - it's a celebration, a gathering, a hilarious group therapy session in the company of five unforgettable characters and a crew of unsung heroes.
Cast members include Lorie Skaro-Johnson as Connie Harland, Cherry Hanson as Leona, Melanie Jean Lady as Millie, Autum Foshaug as Rachel and Gavin Johnson as Bobby.
Dougherty-Rosengren is a 1996 graduate of Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa high school, where he became a veteran of the stage. Today, he is a social studies teacher and theater coach at Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City high school.
Dougherty-Rosengren said about added features of the shows, "Let me tip my hat (and fork) to Sweet River Café in New London. Their sweet treats make a surprise cameo on stage, offering the kind of cozy authenticity that makes you feel like you're actually sitting in Connie Harland's living room. It's a brilliant touch: real pastries, real flavor, real Minnesota goodness. And yes, the cast gets to snack mid-scene - which is perhaps the best gig in town."
"And to Harvey Anderson Funeral Home, the underwriter for this show. Some might raise an eyebrow at a funeral home sponsoring a comedy about stolen ashes, but really, is there any partnership more perfect? Their support brings this production to life (pun intended), reminding us that even in the business of death, there's room for community, laughter, and legacy."
Reader Comments(0)