“Don’t Hug Me” takes a good-natured, playful stab at the Scandinavian-American culture and in the play, Minnesota-loving brothers Phil and Paul Olson use their Norwegian heritage and life in the “arctic northwest” to build characters and a setting that should be instantly recognizable.
“The predominant theme basically in this whole thing is the bitter cold...For this time of the year we can certainly identify with that,” said actor/director B. Michael Quale.
Since the play has been performed in the Midwest, crew members considered adding it to their repertoire.
“It’s done well in community theaters in our area and that’s how we became aware of it,“ Quale stated. He also described the play as “Archie Bunker meets Fargo,” and he thinks people will appreciate the humor in the play as it pokes fun at northern Minnesotans.
Entertainment, Inc! members are also in the midst of creating the set, which takes place at the Bunyan, a bar and restaurant.
“We are creating our version of something that we think would be outdoorsy, woodsy, not modern necessarily, tacky, a bit run-down,” said Quale.
He noted the ensemble show gives each actor a lot of stage time.
“Everyone is very involved,” he said.
Quale said the crew began rehearsing after their last production, so by the time the show begins they will have had a solid five weeks of rehearsals under their belts, averaging three to four rehearsals per week.
Another unique factor is that Quale both directs and acts in the play, portraying the character of Gunner Johnson, the ornery bar owner. The cast consists of just five people, since the cold prevents customers from coming out to the Bunyan.
But despite the cold weather, much action takes place at the rustic country bar.
Quale’s character has a stubborn streak that can only be matched by that of his wife, Clara Johnson (played by Jennifer Sommerfeld).
When Gunner decides he has had enough of the cold, he makes arrangements to sell the bar and move to Florida. No matter her husband’s plans, Clara has no intentions of packing up her things just yet.
Meanwhile, the waitress at the Bunyan, Bernice (Kayla Stamp) has decided to pursue her dream of singing on stage. But her arrogant, self-centered boyfriend, Kanute (Daniel Johnson), is determined to keep her nearby.
Kanute and Bernice’s relationship is soon put to the test by the arrival of Aarvid (Dan Crisham), a smooth-talking karaoke salesman. Aarvid promises that his karaoke machine will change their lives.
A hysterical battle of wills ensues, set to such riotous tunes as “I’m a Walleye Woman in a Crappie town,” “Victim of My Y Chromosome,” and “I want to go to the Mall of America.”
“Don’t Hug Me” first opened in Los Angeles in 2003 and has won many awards including “Best Original Musical” at the Los Angeles Artistic Director Achievement Awards.
Here in Williston, “Don’t Hug Me” performances are scheduled for Nov. 28, 29 and 30 at the Old Armory Theatre in Williston and continue the following weekend of Dec. 4, 5, 6 and 7. Evening showtimes are 7:30 p.m., while Sunday performances begin at 2:30 p.m.
Doors open a half an hour before show time and concessions as well as Entertainment, Inc! merchandise are available. For tickets and information about reservations, call the box office at 701-577-3179 or visit www.entertainmentinc.org.
The cast includes B. Michael Quale as Gunner Johnson, Jennifer Sommerfield as Clara Johnson, Kayla Stamp as Bernice Lundstrom, Daniel Johnson as Kanute Gunderson and Dan Crisham as Aarvid Gisselsen.
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