Lamplighter Community Theatre to stage ‘Drinking Habits’

Rehearsal for LCT’s newest production Rehearsals for Lamplighter Community Theatre Lamplighter Community Theatre’s next production has been cast and is in rehearsal.

“Drinking Habits,” a farce by Tom Smith, will be presented Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon, Feb. 26, 27 and 28, at the Landmark Inn in Staples.

The play is about two nuns who have secretly been making and selling wine for years to keep open the doors of their small convent. Suddenly their wine wins an award worth a lot of money and reporters start searching for the vintners.

The reporters are caught spying on the convent and pretend to be sent from the church in Rome. More cases of mistaken identity ensue with hilarious consequences.

“We’re stepping out of our normal venues of Centennial Auditorium or T Maxwell’s Restaurant,” said Pam Collins, co-producer of the show with Jim Vollegraaf.

The Landmark Inn is the former Faith Lutheran Church at 631 3rd Ave. NE.

“We chose the Landmark Inn to enhance the story line,” Collins said, noting that the set design will reflect the architectural features of the building.

Collins and the rest of the theatre board are also excited that the director and the cast of “Drinking Habits” are all new to Lamplighter Community Theatre.

Some of the production people are also new or are in jobs that are new to them.

“This production is a growing experience for many of us,” Collins said.

Erik Steen of the Brainerd area is the director. He’s been active in several capacities in Pequot Lakes Community Theatre for many years. Before moving to the area Steen was involved in theatre and television in the Twin Cities and other locales.

Cast members and their roles are:

o Michelle Jeziorski as Mother Superior,

o Lee Paskewitz as Father Chenille,

o Cassie Magers as Sally,

o Dave Osgood as Paul,

o Dawn Timbs as Sister Philemena,

o Jaci Jeziorski as Sister Augusta,

o Shelby Wilds as Sister Mary Catherine, and

o Aaron Carter as George.

Jeff Swenson is handling set construction. Amy Hunter will be the stage manager and Michelle Hart is the prop manager. Brenda Halvorson is publicity chair.

Other production people are yet to be named. Anyone interested in volunteering can call Collins at 218- 894-3681.

Ticket prices will include hors d’oeuvres and beverages and so the seating at the Landmark Inn will include tables. Collins is asking to borrow card tables for the production and anyone willing to lend one or more can call her.

A social time will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday with the performance to begin at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday the social will begin at 2 p.m. with the performance at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets will be available after Feb. 15 and locations will be announced.

Check the Lamplighter Community Theatre’s Facebook page and the Staples World website and print edition for updates.