Meatballs on the Menu at Fremont
Jewel thieves Ethan Goetz and Charles Hixenbaugh (under table) hide from police Ronnie Reed and Sherri Baxter, as busser Ginger Snap (Dixie Albertson) talks with them. The scene is from the Fremont Lions Community Theatre production of “Million Dollar Meatballs.” (submitted photo)
There will be a heaping helping of meatball comedy when the Fremont Lions Community Theatre takes to the stage Feb. 15-17 in its annual production, “Million Dollar Meatballs.”
This year marks the 37th year the group of thespians have taken to the Fremont School stage to entertain theatregoers with comedy. This year’s production does not disappoint. Co-directors Mindy Archer and Scott Bethune bring the two-act play by Todd Wallinger to life. The show takes the stage on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16 at 7 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17.
Two bumbling jewel thieves (Charles Hixenbaugh and Ethan Goetz) are on the run from the cops when they duck into Chez Monyeu, a restaurant so bad the mice are the only repeat customers. That begins the string of comedic antics for which the troupe has become known.
Chez Monyeu’s chef, Gordon Ramrod (Ricky Pierce) just quit, but the city’s most powerful restaurant critic (Jeanene Calhoun) is about to arrive. In desperation, the restaurant’s owner (Sandy Eckley), mistaking the thieves for famous French chefs, insists that they make their renowned Million Dollar Meatballs for the tough-minded critic.
Seventeen cast members and another half dozen behind the scenes bring the comedy to life. Two new cast members join the cast this season. New are Dixie Albertson (Ginger Snap) and Hixenbaugh. Two mainstays have appeared in every show, Bill Ward (Boris Stroganoff) and Mark Hansen (customer). Eckley is appearing in her 20th show and Martha Scharff (Tammy Tonedeaf) is in her 17th show. Dollie Horn (15), Calhoun (14), and Christina Kim (12) all have been long-time cast members.
Other cast members include, Sherri Baxter, Ron Reed, Shannon Bethune, Ryan Keep and Payton Scharff.
Prior to each show will be a freewill dinner in the school cafeteria. Friday and Saturday dinner by the Fremont Days Committee begins at 5 p.m. and Sunday at noon by the Stinkfest Committee.
Proceeds from the show are used by the Lions Club for scholarships to Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont seniors. Tickets are available in advance from cast members and Lions Club members.
Looking for a serving of fun and frivolity? Then “Million Dollar Meatballs” is just what the chef ordered.
