Four-Course Musical Comedy opens June 18 at ITAC

ITAC - The Iowa Theatre Artists Company in Amana invites you back to high school this summer with a very unique theatrical production, All School Reunion, conceived and written by Thomas P. Johnson and the members of the ITAC performing ensemble. The production takes place in the lower level of the ITAC Performing Arts Center, the former Barn Restaurant, located in the center of Amana. All School Reunion opens Friday, June 18 and continues through Sunday, August 1. Sharing the lower level of ITAC’s Performing Arts Center is “Collectively Iowa,” a winery that moved into its new location in March. “Collectively Iowa” will be offering Iowa wines, beers and soft drinks for the Reunion festivities.

All School Reunion tells the story of Kitsy Judson, (Meg Merckens, South Amana) who was passed over for Homecoming Queen in 1971 and decides to set the record straight during the festivities of the 2010 All School Reunion of Highland Valley High School. Fellow classmate and reigning 1971 Homecoming Queen, Norma Nolan, (Paula Grady, Cedar Rapids) just happens to be in attendance this year which sets the wheels in motion for a “Royalty Rematch!” Music, songs, and the “Quest for the Crown” are woven throughout the Reunion’s dinner (Craig, (Tom Johnson, South Amana), Highland Valley’s custodian, is in charge of the food and has given this year’s meal a Hawaiian theme.) The cast includes long-time Highland Valley High School principal Ernest Dingleman, (Ed Moersfelder), music teacher and piano player, Mr. Bradley, (Bradley Fritz, Cedar Rapids) and the oldest Highland Valley graduate and current math teacher, Ralph Waldo Smith, (Marshall Nielsen, Cedar Falls). Other alumni providing entertainment include Darryl “Moose” Tremain, (Randy Sandersfeld, Amana), class of ’77, former high school football standout turned country music star, Jonathan Olivier, (Ian Zahren, South Amana), class of ’06, whose love for show choir didn’t end with high school, and class of 2010 valedictorian and head cheerleader, Jody Wilkerson, (Jenna Vik, Woodbury, Minnesota). Gunnar Pálsson, (Alex Shockley, Algona), is the 2010 Foreign Exchange Student from Iceland.

The production also features a talented cast of “singing waiters.” These young performers play current students of Highland Valley’s show choir who are helping with the buffet dinner at the reunion. A “mini-reunion” of Williamsburg High School’s Men’s Ensemble, "En Harmony," occurs with two former show choir members, Harry Zuber, (East Amana) and Trevor Harrison, (Williamsburg) in the cast. They are joined by Fritz Burgher (East Amana), Liesl Burgher, (East Amana) and Katie Moore (South Amana) who complete Highland Valley's performing ensemble of singers.

Tom Johnson, co-Producer and writer of All School Reunion adds, “It’s the nearest thing to a real All-School Reunion except it’s a whole lot funnier.”

The production opens June 18 and runs through August 1. Afternoon performances are offered on Fridays and Sundays. Audience members are encouraged to arrive between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to pick up their tickets, fill out name tags and have their photo taken with “Jackie,” mascot of Highland Valley’s “Fightin’ Jackalopes” Entertainment officially begins at 12:30 PM for matinees. Evening performances are offered Fridays and Saturdays, with registration/ticket pick up and photos between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM and entertainment beginning at 6:30 PM. Ticket prices are $35 for adults and $25 for students. Seating is limited. For information and reservations, call: 319-622-3222 or visit: www.iowatheatreartists.org