“I realized that this show is not about Fred Rogers. It’s about the feeling that Fred Rogers conveys and gives to the world. The nuances, the beliefs, the spirituality of him, the feeling … because I think that is what it is. It’s the love, the compassion. It’s the looking for the good, not for the bad. It’s the positive, …
One of Fred Rogers’ favorite things was making connections between people, so he would be delighted by recent events at Circle Theatre in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. It is there that I have been privileged to observe the cast, crew and theater staff as they prepare for the premiere of “I’m Proud of You,” the stage play based on my …
“When people come to see the play, I hope they learn what Tim learns.” — co-writer and director Harry Parker On Saturday evening, Oct. 28, Circle Theatre in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, will host the world premiere of “I’m Proud of You,” the stage play adapted from my memoir of the same name. My life and career is indeed about …
At a Portland (Ore.) City Council meeting a decade ago, a local environmental activist concluded his remarks by dumping a load of garbage he’d collected onto the floor of the council chambers. Whatever the impact this stunt had on council members, it immediately moved Aaron Landsman, an out-of-town artist who was in the audience by chance. It suggested to him a …
I’m looking forward to Red River High School’s production of “Godspell” this weekend for a couple of reasons. For one thing, it’s one of my favorite Broadway shows. It led to the stardom of people like Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy and, in the orchestra pit, a young bandleader named Paul Schaffer, Canadians all. The musical is …
There’s never been anything like it in Grand Forks before. Already something like 250 people have lent a hand (or two) to help create the World Peace Pageant set for Sept. 15 presented by the Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre. The unique theatrical event will be dominated by a 14-foot-tall Mother Earth puppet and a masked cast of 50. The …
For over 37 years, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus has built a large following, this past year attracting over 12,000 fans, to its concerts. Attendees have come to expect “adventuresome programming” (as their playbill promises) from this award-winning group of 150 singers. The spring concert was no exception as evidenced by rousing standing ovations. No one left disappointed Saturday …
Q: Why — at your advanced age — did you decide to grow a mustache? A: I was asked to. It’s for my role in “Death by Chocolate,” the Fourth annual Firemen’s Ball on July 27 at the Mason Lodge in Grand Forks. It’s a fundraiser for the Fire Hall Theatre. I’ll be playing a detective, and everyone knows all detectives have mustaches. Q: I …
It was 1976. Just a half-dozen years old, already The UND Writers Conference was a well-established and highly regarded cultural event. But conference founder John Little had outdone himself that year, booking two of the country’s best-known authors, Tom Wolf and Truman Capote. Wolf, ever the clothes horse, opened the weeklong conference with a reading of his works wearing a blazing yellow three-piece suit, …
Grand Forks photographer Russ Hons spent some time in the North Dakota Badlands recently and captured these spectacular images of the acclaimed Medora Musical. Check out more photos from Russ Hons here.
For most of the past couple of months of my life, much of my time and what little concentration I can muster has been taken up not with writing or speaking but rather with acting. Yup, acting. I had a small role in the Fire Hall Theatre’s “Arsenic & Old Lace,” a 70-year-old dark comedy about two little old ladies who, as …
Grand Forks photographer Russ Hons took in the 50th Medora Musical recently. Here are some classic shots of the summer favorite. Among the performers in the musical is Misti Koop from Grand Forks.
Another full house and a standing ovation for the final performance of Guys on Ice last night at the Fire Hall Theatre in Grand Forks, N.D. It was a great finish to a very fun run. In eleven performances and a half dozen or so rehearsals, I didn’t fall off the stage once. To me that’s success. Thanks to everyone …
Opening night is coming up. The Fire Hall Theatre’s production of “Guys on Ice” opens Feb. 12 in Grand Forks. Foolishly enough perhaps, the theater people have asked me to be a part of it. Without giving away too much, I’ll be in the “Guys on Ice” “halftime show.” I hope you’ll call (701) 777-4090 and support the Fire Hall …