ACT Announces Cast for “Dearest Auntie” Opening May 9 at Northstar Lanes

ANTIGO — The Antigo Community Theatre (ACT) is offering a special play, “Dearest Auntie,” at Northstar Lanes opening on Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

“Dearest Auntie,” a comedy set in the Midwest during the 1940s, is an original play written and directed by Antigo’s very own Bridget Strasser.

Strasser, who has worked behind the scenes in past ACT productions, is debuting for the first time as an ACT director.

“I am very excited to see my play come to life with this fabulous cast and grateful for this incredible opportunity to direct the play,” Strasser said. “I am directing, but I have the guidance of these seasoned actors — it’s amazing how talented this group is. What’s also very exciting is we have these three grade school kids who are playing the three children in the play, and they’re really adding a lot of fun. Seeing their hard work and their dedication is amazing — they’re showing up consistently, they’re on time, they’re adding little ideas, and their input is great.”

“Dearest Auntie” takes place in the home of Ron Murphy, played by Dennis Klement, and his loving wife Margret, acted by Rebecca Stimac.

They have three children: Emma, played by Mckenna Waterhouse; Joanie, performed by Reagan Mascari; and their bookworm son Charlie, acted by Wyatt Matuszewski. Also living in the Murphy household is the caring mother-in-law Grandma Erna, played by Cara Sienko.

The family chaos begins when their Aunt Matilda decides to come for a visit for Mother’s Day. Grandma Erna, appears to be vehemently against this idea, which causes the girls to take matters into their own hands and secretly concoct a letter to send to their Aunt Matilda.

Adding to this chaos, first of all, is eccentric, inventor-neighbor Sue Ann, constantly coming over to pester Ron about bringing her crazy ideas to the patent lawyer’s office. Then, the Goodall sisters, played by Darlaen Jansen and Peg Benes, ask Ron and Margret if they could rent the Murphy living room for their “Society Socials,” or as Ron likes to call them, matchmaking shenanigans.

Rounding out the cast is the Narrator and one of the suitors played by Wayne Gagnon, with two more gentlemen suitors performed by Chad Luerssen and Tim Blahnik. Their counterpart dates that respond to the Goodall sisters invitation are performed by Ilah Lundgren, as well as Cara Sienko and Rebecca Stimac, both of whom are taking on duel acting roles.

Strasser said her inspiration for “Dearest Auntie” is partly related to her own mother.

“My mom had worked at the Cosmo Movie Theater in Merrill in the late 30s and early 40s, and sometimes when we watched TV, she would say, ‘That’s one of the screwball comedies we played at the Cosmo.’ It was just movies like “My Man Godfrey” and “My Girl Friday” and certainly “Arsenic and Old Lace,” because that’s where I got the idea for the Goodall sisters, because they make me think of the spinster sisters in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” I got such a charge out of the two gals, so instead of murdering people, they’re running a society social or a dating service. So I guess that’s really what influenced me in writing this 1940s comedy — the fact that I grew up with my mother referencing them on TV,” Strasser said.

ACT knew that sometime around Mother’s Day would be a perfect time to present this play and reached out to Northstar Lanes owner Brian Mattmiller to use their banquet facility for the show. Brian also thought it would be a great cooperative adventure and now Northstar Lanes is offering the audience a chance to purchase food and drinks off their menu. The Northstar Banquet Hall will be set up with tables and chairs for dining purposes and a free beverage will be included with the purchase of an adult ticket.

“It’s not quite a dinner theater, it’s more of an opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day with a show and dine out,” Mattmiller said. “We hope to see you here, and who knows, by the end of the night, you might be hoping to join the Goodall’s Society Social.”

Strasser said community members who attend will enjoy the show for a number of reasons.

“At the Northstar stage, it is very much you’re right in with the audience. So it’s a whole different feel. Both the stage and the dinner theatre situation like this is great,” Strasser said. “It’s also so fun to laugh, and to come to a fun, happy, silly, goofy event.”

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and will be available at the door. Advance tickets are on sale at Neve’s Furniture and Flooring at 710 5th Ave. More information is available at 715-350-1683.