Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Pequot Theater to present state premiere of comedy

PEQUOT LAKES – Rehearsals are under way for a Minnesota premiere of the 

Pequot Lakes Community Theater production "Mom's Gift" by Phil Olson.

Cast members are Michael Johnson of Crosby, Sharon Hartley of Baxter, 

Mary Nelson of Cushing, Ann Collman and Dan Rohr of Brainerd, and Julie Friday of 

Crosslake.

This heartwarming family comedy reminds us that forgiveness may be the 

simplest path to love. Mom has always taken good care of her family. She expects to go 

to heaven, but 11 months after she dies mom is still an earthbound ghost. Like Clarence 

in "It's a Wonderful Life," she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings.

Performances are July 10, 11, 12 and 15, 16, 17 at 8 p.m. on the stage of the 

theater at Pequot Lakes High School.

This play, first performed six months ago in Los Angeles, has won numerous 

awards for playwright Olson. He has written three popular shows performed in recent 

summers on the PLCT stage.

"We are excited to bring this new play to our state," said Director Nancy 

Waller of Breezy Point, who previously directed Olson's "Crappie Talk," "Don't Hug 

Me" and "Don't Hug Me County Fair" for Pequot Lakes Community Theater.

The production team for "Mom's Gift" includes Stage Manager Meredith 

Bjorkquist and Technical Director Craig Friday, both of Crosslake; Set Designer Peter 

Herzog, Pequot Lakes; and Costumer Mary Chapp, Breezy Point.

Tickets are available by calling Pequot Lakes Community Education at 218-568-

9200. Information is available at www.glapa.info, the web site for Greater Lakes Area 

Performing Arts.

Photo:

The cast for Minnesota's premiere of "Mom's Gift" includes from left, front, Julie Friday, 

Michael Johnson, Sharon Hartley, and back Mary Nelson, Dan Rohr, and Ann Collman. 

Shows are at 8 p.m. July 10-12 and 15-17 in the high school theater at Pequot Lakes.