Set the stage! Light the lights! The Holy Trinity drama department’s talented thespians have begun preparations for their Dinner Theatre 2010 production of “The Cashier,” a comedy by Glen Merzer. The curtain goes up at McAleer Hall in Fort Madison at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, with a matinee performance following on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m. Both performances are preceded by a delicious dinner prepared by parishioners.
The offbeat comedy follows the exploits of young Ralf Leland (Nate Menke), a New Yorker, transplanted in Bakersfield, Calif., attempting to take a break from his big city life and wedding preparations with his fiancée (Kaitlyn Taylor) to concentrate on his art. Taking a temporary job with the Internal Revenue Service, he meets a colorful collection of mailroom employees and begins to question his artistic talent, his love and his future.
Joining veteran actors Menke and Taylor are seniors Darian Auge and Theresa McKinnley, four-year dinner theatre veterans, sharing the role of the “office grump.”
Director and speech teacher Robert Rippenkroeger was happy to welcome back seniors Jordan Brown and Patrick Jansen, who appeared in “Up the Down Staircase” in their freshman year, portraying mailroom employees.
Rounding out the office staff are juniors Danielle Watznauer, Kelli Steffensmeier and Becca Kokjohn, along with freshman Megan Burk, and HTC newcomer Johnny Olson. Ralf’s office boss will be played by senior Deanna Knustrom and newcomer Moriah Mitchell, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Haley Wellman appears as office employee Emily, the other girl that interests Ralf, and first-time HTC actress Savannah Meyers portrays “Denise,” a troubled young office replacement.
Also featured are sophomores Sarah Kunch, Brittany Watznauer, Sara Abolt, Sierra Roark and Austin Kassmeyer.
“The Cashier” is the 38th full-length theatre production for Mr. Ripp. The annual presentation switched to the dinner-theater format in 1987, and has continued as such since the merger of Aquinas and Marquette created the Holy Trinity drama department. Mr. Ripp also coaches the speech team in the second semester.
All people are invited to treat themselves to an evening of fine dining and live theater when “The Cashier” takes the stage in November. Tickets will be on sale soon.
