‘The Visit’ gives audiences something different each time

For a town with an already vibrant theater scene, Albert Lea will get a special treat this weekend.

Professional and local actors united for the production of “The Visit,” a dark comedy by Friedrich Durrenmatt. The show will have the audience moving around and watching scenes all over the Freeborn County Historical Village. Production Manager Nancy Waldoch of Minneapolis said the show has lots of fun characters.

“It’s a town full of really quirky characters who also have a human side,” Waldoch said.

Also special is that the audience is split into three sections who go on to see three different scenes during the second act.

“If you came Thursday, Friday and Saturday you would have the potential to see a different show each night,” Waldoch said.

Having “The Visit” at the Freeborn County Historical Village is possible through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and through appropriation from the state’s arts and cultural heritage fund. The show will move onto Blue Earth and East Grand Forks after visiting Albert Lea.

Also special are the professional actors and directors known for their work on stages in the Twin Cities. Local performers have been working with them this week to rehearse for the show. Rosalie Truax, co-president of Albert Lea Community Theatre, plays a townsperson in the show and said it was fun to watch professionals work.

“We’re certainly learning a lot about directing and acting,” Truax said.

Another Albert Lean, Beverly Cotter, heard about auditions and thought she would go just for fun. She’s new to the area and said the play has been a fun way to get to know people.

“It’s not a big role, but it’s fun,” Cotter said.

“The Visit” is a dark comedy that explores the values, choices and consequences of characters in a small town that is trying to survive. The play’s prevailing question asks how far the town will go to save itself. Audience members will be led to areas on at the Freeborn County Historical Village where they will watch the scenes unfold from a close range.

The show will be about 90 minutes. It’s suitable for ages 13 and older because there is some adult humor. “The Visit” debuts at 7 p.m. tonight and continues at 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students; cash or check will be accepted at the door for tickets.

 

Tickets, please

What: “The Visit”

Where: Freeborn County Historical Village

When: 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

How
much: $15 for adults or $12 for students; tickets are available at the door

 

Cast list

Claire Zachanassian Babra Berlovitz

Alfred III Bob Rosen

Matilda III Darcey Engen

Mayor Randy Reyes

Schoolmistress Elise Langer

Policeman Jason Ballweber

Boby (Butler) Susan Hanson

Moby (Husband No. 7) Jason Ballweber

Hoby (Husband No. 8) Jason Ballweber

Koby and Loby Justin Caron and Jacob Mobley

Annie (Mayor’s wife) Ashton Schneider

Reporter 1 Ashton Schneider

Townsperson One/Hoffman Tiago Ferreira

Townsperson Two/Fischer John Jacobs

Townsperson Three/Muller Joshua Whalen

Townsperson Four/Painter Rosalie Truax

Townsperson Five Rosalie Truax

Townsperson Six/Gymnast Skylar Hason/Sara Aeikens

Doctor Beverly Cotter

Karla (III’s Son) Tianna Abrego

Ottilie (III’s Daughter) Savanna Simpson

Reporter 2/Mayor’s grandchildren Cheyenne Severtson

Reporter 3/Mayor’s grandchildren Jessica Williams