And now, a short commercial break…

I had several complaints last week that I “left the ‘Off the Mark’ readers stranded on the tarmac in Chicago,” or words to that effect. So I would imagine I might get a modicum of grumbling when I tell you I’ve postponed “The Rest Of The Story” to next week because…well…because I can.
And so I bring you this commercial break…
Seven weeks of rehearsals come to a close this week as we open the Lake Benton Opera House production of “Damn Yankees” on Thursday, July 16. With the economy still trying to crawl out of its funk, what a great time to scale back one extended trip this year and instead—come and see our show.
I have had the privilege of serving on the Opera House board for over a decade. We have a diligent board of 12 who have carefully built a stable fiscal base for the non-profit organization. Through careful planning, forward thinking, acceptance of new technology and ever-changing marketing, our organization has weathered many challenges, and remains a popular attraction to our rural area. Another financial hurdle presented itself this week as two of our three busses canceled on opening night. A tough depressed economic state strikes again as the bus tour companies were unable to sell enough spots to make the trip profitable.
In this particular case, that is about a $1,000 hit that the Opera House has to take. On the bright side, that opens up another hundred seats for some of you lucky locals!
If you have seen an Opera House production before, we hope you return this summer…and coax a friend to come along.
There are many great performances in this show by local actors…some who have been returning to our stage year after year. You won’t be disappointed.
“Damn Yankees,” of course, is the story of the perennial doormats—the Washington Senators of the 1950s—and their futile attempt to beat that hated band of Bronx Bombers from New York…the Yankees.
As many of you may know, in 1960, those very Senators picked up and moved to Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, and have since been known as the Minnesota Twins. Calvin and Thelma Griffith brought with them the likes of Harmon Killebrew and Bob Allison and the players on that team became the idols of a certain eight-year-old who grew up in Russell collecting baseball cards. They still are bringing me joy 43 years later.
And they still can’t seem to beat those damn Yankees.
Come see some great individual performances. Two of my favorites come from a couple of “older” gentlemen, Mike Hulziser of Marshall, Dr. Steven Snow of Tyler. What a pleasure to watch their dedication and talent. Behind the scenes these two gentlemen, along with R.J. Fleet, Tim Wall and Lynn Carpenter, were indispensible to me. My sincere thanks to all.
The show opens July 16 and will close on July 26, and will include 10 performances.
For tickets, call 507-368-4620 or email lakebentonoperahouse@gmail.com.Next week—I promise—hang on, it is going to be a bumpy ride…