SALES DIRECTOR leanne darr ldarr@messengernews.net
SALES CONSULTANTS
jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net
EDITOR bill shea bshea@messengernews.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tom tourville lori berglund hailey brueschke brandon brueschke
COPYRIGHT 2025
Twist & Shout is published monthly by ogden newspapers inc. All content and opinions expressed may not be those of the publishers.
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WE DON’T WAIT FOR BETTER.
WHY FORT DODGE NEEDS YOU
We’re uniting local families, values, and resources to transform our community using the power of our local real estate assets. Together, we’re creating a Real Estate Fund that lets YOU invest locally and have a real say in the future of our town.
WHAT MAKES THE BETTER WAY PROJECT DIFFERENT?
• Earn competitive returns on your investment — most profits flow back to YOU.
• Support community amenities that matter:
• Organic, healthy food initiatives
• Mental health & natural medicine programs
• Safety & security improvements
• Wellness & childcare solutions
• Practical, real-life education alternatives
• Fuel local growth: New homes, new businesses, new jobs, and a revitalized downtown!
THE TIME IS NOW We need people like YOU — who want a better life for their families and a brighter future for Fort Dodge.
Etta May Etta May
at Iowa Central
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
Join Etta May and the Southern Fried Chicks for a night of funny, clean stand-up comedy at Iowa Central Community College on Sept 13.
This all-new tour features new chicks, new stories, and more fun and laughter making for a show to remember.
The show stars Etta May, winner of the prestigious American Comedy Award’s Comic of the Year. This Kentucky woman is becoming known as a comedy icon. And she has Iowa roots.
“She could not be more excited to come back to Iowa,” said Brady O’Brien, coordinator of the college’s Center for Performing Arts when the show was announced last spring.
Etta has been seen on Oprah, CMT, Showtime, Comic Strip Live, Comedy Stage, plus many more.
Etta May, Sonya White, and Jodi White share stories and southern charm. Life and love in the USA have never been funnier as when these top headliners take the stage. Think Blue Collar Comedy Tour with better hair and a bigger attitude.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $25. Ticket prices will depend on the seats chosen. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.iowacentral. edu/centerforperformingarts/tickets.asp.
The show will take place at Decker Auditorium at Iowa Central Community College, 1 Triton Circle on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Twisting Tales with Heart: Iowa Central’s Fall Play Reimagines Grimm Classics
This October, Iowa Central’s Theatre Department invites audiences to dive into a whirlwind of fairy tales with The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, a fast-paced comedy by Don Zolidis that turns classic stories on their heads. Directed by Sean Mulvihill, the production promises laughter and a fresh take on the narratives we think we know.
“Zolidis has this brilliant way of blending absurdity with truth,” said Mulvihill, Director of Theatre at Iowa Central. “His script is hilarious, but it also asks us to think about the stories we tell ourselves—how sometimes the simplest explanation is often the best, and how overcomplicating things can lead us astray.”
The play features two narrators and a cast of versatile performers who race through over 200 Grimm fairy tales, from well-known favorites like Snow White and Hansel and Gretel to obscure gems like The Devil’s Grandmother and The Girl Without Hands. With rapid costume changes, slapstick, and tongue-in-cheek commentary, the show is a theatrical rollercoaster.
But beneath the chaos lies a deeper message. “At its core, this play is about compassion,” Mulvihill explained. “It reminds us that life’s difficulties are best faced together—with kindness, not resistance. That’s a message our production team really connected with, and it’s something we hope resonates with our audience too.”
Don Zolidis, a prolific playwright known for his witty and accessible works, wrote Spectaculathon as a celebration of storytelling and theatrical creativity. His plays are staples in high school and college theatre programs across the country, and this production continues that tradition with Iowa Central’s signature energy and heart.
The cast is made up of 16 returning students and 15 who are new to our program. The audition process revealed the students’ ability to be creative on their feet, stretch the exaggeration of a scene, expand the dynamics of each character, and the high energy of this ensemble. This cast has already proven their positive attitudes to be supportive of one another.
Mark your calendars and reserve your seats for Iowa Central’s fall production of TheBrothers Grimm Spectaculathon running October 16-18 at 7:00 pm each evening in the Center for Performing Arts at Decker Auditorium. Tickets will be available to the public beginning September 8. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for students.
Tickets may be purchased online at iowacentral.edu/fallplay; in person at the Box Office located at the south entrance of the Center for Performing Arts–Decker Auditorium (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), or by phone at (515) 574-1210 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
CAST LIST
Narrator 1: Lundyn Jones
Narrator 2 / King: Steven Fisher
Actor: Sam Opfer
Girl: Zofia Salter
Dirt Merchant / Chet Dobray: Bill Wright
Enchantress: Kennedie Davalos
Devil / King 2: Que Fortune
Rumplestiltskin / Grandma: Ryan Arends
Prince / Dwarf 1 / The Wolf: Justin Durr
Rapunzel: Layla Jensen
Mother: Brenna Mahoney
The Girl Without Hands: Camden Doster
Father / Frog Prince / Walt: Adam Champagne
Prince 2: Dustin Coyle
Hansel / Johannes: Linus Areblad
Gretel / Little Red: Emma Davis
Witch: Gracie Grady
Fishergirl: Rachel Wilkerson
Talking Fish: Justin Sandberg
Crab Person 1: Mason Lundberg
Crab Person 2: Mace Gale
Princess: Bri Horton
Snow White: Bowie Sanders
Dwarf 2: Bryce Walker
Witch 2: Savannah Meyer
Prince 3: Keilah Jensen
Raven: Gracie Winkel
Plinkie Plie: Rasmus Skyving
Queen: Chloe Speck
Audience Member / Woodcutter: Levi Odor-Westrum
Cinderella: Teagan Barela
Alzheimer’s Association invites the Fort Dodge Community to join 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
The Alzheimer’s Association is raising funds to go towards further care, support and efforts during its Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Iowa Central Community College.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association walk is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s.
This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s “ “
Mandi Borst Walk Manager
This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. More than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of death in the United States.
The goal is to raise $20,000 for dementia programs and research. Participants can start a team or walk alone during the walk.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 27 or online by visiting https://act.alz.org/. There is no registration fee, however participants are encouraged to make personal donations and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
At 9 a.m. there will be opening ceremonies, and the walk will follow immediately. During the walk, strollers are allowed, but for everyone’s safety skateboards, bicycles, inline skates, and wheelie footwear are discouraged. “This is a pivotal moment in the fight against
Alzheimer’s,” said Mandi Borst, walk manager. “There are now treatments designed to slow the early stages of the disease. We hope that everyone in the community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise funds for local dementia programs and research to finally end this disease.”
Come together with the community of Fort Dodge to help raise funds in this inspiring event. Each walk features a Promise Garden Ceremony, in which walkers carry flowers that represent their connection to the disease.
Family fun rolls in as Scott Amusements return to Crossroads
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
The carnival is rolling back into town at the Crossroads Hotel and Event Center in Fort Dodge Sept. 12-14.
Crossroads has partnered with Scotts Amusement again for a weekend of family fun, thrill rides, tasty treats and classic carnival games.
Crossroads will also be offering hotel package deals for the weekend for those who want to make it a full weekend and stay for the entirety of the carnival. The deals include a Ride and Rest package, which includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room plus 30 carnival tickets for $99. The other deal is the Spin and Stay Package, which includes a one-night stay in a poolside room, plus 60 carnival tickets for $149.
On Friday Sept. 12 the gates open at 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 at 1p.m., and Sunday, Sept 14 at 11 a.m.
Guests can get 10 tickets for $7.50, or they can buy a wristband for $25 for unlimited rides for three hours. The carnival will take place at the Crossroads Hotel and Event Center in Fort Dodge, 1518 Third Ave. N.W.
For more information or to book a package please call Crossroads Hotel and Event Center at 515573-7177.
Byron’s to host
‘John Prine - Songs and Souvenirs’
Songwriter and performer John Prine was beloved by his peers and sold out shows wherever he performed until his untimely death during COVID. With incisive lyrics and honest delivery, this former Chicago postman made a career out of connecting with audiences from concert halls to intimate clubs - but the best way to see him was in a smaller environment where his witty stories and beautiful songwriting really shined.
Prine’s touring band is now carrying on in the John Prine tradition. Traveling around the country as “John PrineSongs and Souvenirs,” Jason Wilbur and David Jacques, who were the heart and soul of that renowned band for well over 20 years, are bringing the songs and stories
Prine made famous to Legendary Byron’s in Pomeroy in the only Iowa club performance this year.
Wilbur was Prine’s musical director and lead guitarist for 24 years. He worked closely with Prine on stage and in the studio, collaborating on some truly timeless performances and recordings.
Jacques toured with Prine for 25 years as his bassist, and can be heard on recordings from throughout his career, including Grammy Award winning “Fair and Square”, and “The Tree of Forgiveness” and many other albums. Jacques has performed with many other well known artists, such as Greg Brown, Rodney Crowell, Iris DeMent and Todd Snider.
Calling it “a big old goofy evening of music and memories,” Wilbur and Jacques know you’ll love hearing memories from their years on the road with their oneof-a-kind friend and boss, along with all the classic songs like “Angel from Montgomery,” “Paradise” and “Illegal Smile.”
The Byron’s show is Saturday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are only available online at Eventbrite.com and are $45 each. Seating is strictly limited to 100 people, and unlike regular shows, tickets are not being sold at the door due to the expected sell-out. Direct link to the ticket site is:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-prine-songs-andsouvenirs-tickets-1359501739299?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Byron’s is located at 111 S. Ontario St. in Pomeroy.
Good Eats &Drinks
FAst-Food:
Burger King....................... 2814 5th Ave. S.
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza 2007 N.15th St. 2206 2nd
dining:
716 Main Humboldt
Amigos 280 N. 1st St.
Applebee’s 2810 5th Ave. S
Bloomers on Central 900 Central Ave.
Buffalo Wild Wings 2909 5th Ave. S.
CasaBlanca Steak House Hwy 169
Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert 14 S. 14th St.
Chick-fil-A 2818 2nd Ave S.
Community Tap & Pizza 2026 5th Ave. S.
Peking Garden 510 5th Ave. S.
Hacienda Vieja 1518 3rd Ave. NW
Godfather’s Pizza ....................... 3232 1st Ave. S.
Ja-Mar Drive-In ............................. 329 S. 25th St.
Lizard Creek Ranch .................1762 Johnson Ave
The Stadium...............................2001 2nd Ave. N.
Lomitas Mexican Restaurant ...... 2223 5th Ave. S.
Mineral City............................... 2621 5th Ave. So.
Ninja Sushi Steak House .............. 407 S. 25th St.
Perkins 511 S. 32nd St.
Pizza Ranch 3311 5th Ave. S. 1317 Central Ave.
A Pinch of Love Cafe 850 S. 18th St.
Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Ave. 2021 6th Ave. S. 2707 N. 15th St.
Tom Thumb Drive Inn 1412 A. St. 3521 5th Ave. S.
Tropical Smoothie 2813 1/2 5th Ave. S. 2002 N. 15th St.
Domino’s Pizza ..................
Dunkin’
Pulse THE
O U T !
SEPTEMBER LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 14
BINGO! @ Soldier Creek WinerySupporting Salvation Army Food Pantry
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
David Simmons
LIVE at Shiny Top
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
at River Hops Brewing
Musicians and Public Welcome
River Hops Brewing
1014 Central Ave • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 9 - 11
Ribbon Cutting: Dairy Queen Chill & Grill
11:30 PM
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill 2616 2nd Ave S • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 9
Member Meet & Eat Q3 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Members: $25 (lunch included)
Non Members: $35 (lunch included)
Community Orchards, Inc.
2237 160th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 11
Brian Herrin LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
Lone Tree Revival LIVE at Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 13
Acrylic Autumn Perspectives with Deidra Miller-Clay @ the Blanden Art Education Center
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Member $25 Non-Member $35 Spaces are limited - enroll now at www.blanden.org
Blanden Art Education Center 224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
Flour & Bloom Iowa Flower Farm 2192 120th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 16
Jack - “Off the Records” LIVE at Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center 1518 3rd Ave NW • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 18
David Simmons LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
3rd Thursday JAM at Eagles Hideout Lounge
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
All Ages & Abilities Welcome. Eagles Hideout Lounge 1018 1st Avenue North • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 19
515 Big Band LIVE at Historic Phillips Auditorium
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Drinks available on site for purchase. Adults:$15 Students: Free Historic Phillips Auditorium 1015 5th Avenue N • Fort Dodge, IA
Adam Girard LIVE at Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 20
The Blanden Collective 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Are you looking for feedback on your art?
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave S • Fort Dodge, IA
Artist Reception @ Blanden Art Museum
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Robert Craig/Philip Chen
Blanden Memorial Art Museum
920 3rd Ave S • Fort Dodge, IA
Roaring 20’s Murder MysteryFort Museum Opera House
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Opera House @ Fort Museum Frontier Village 1 Museum Road • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 23
TUNESday Tuesday w/ Taylor Smith LIVE at Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center 1518 3rd Ave NW • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 25
Ryan Lombard LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
SEPTEMBER 26
Claudia Coltrain LIVE at Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
shiningstar
In what ways do you participate in the arts in Fort Dodge?
I participate in the arts mainly in music classes like Band, Orchestra, and Choir, along with being a part of Jazz band.
Brek Pingel
Age: 17
Grade/School: Junior at Fort Dodge Senior High
Hometown: Fort Dodge
What do you most enjoy about music?
The thing that makes music fun to me is how it makes me feel to play, when I perform a piece, I get to dive into the composer and my director’s vision for the piece, my favorite pieces to perform are slower jazz pieces because you really get to feel the music.
What have you learned from being involved in musical productions?
I’ve been involved in 8 musical productions both performing and behind the scenes and the best thing I ever learned from them was how to be confident. Confidence comes easier when I’m performing but it really transferred to every part of my life.
If you could play any part in a musical, who would you play and why?
What do you want to be when you are an adult?
Currently I want to be an Electrical Engineer, I’ve always been interested in how electricity works so it felt like a good fit, but I’m still not sure if I will continue with that career or decide on something else.
What is your favorite musical and why?
My favorite musical is Les Miserables. Even with all of its cliches I really love the story and the characters. The music and climaxes also feel so big and real.
If I could play any part in a musical I would play Inspector Javert from Les Miserables. The character was the highlight of Les Miserables for me because of how far he was willing to go just for Jean Valjean. I also love his climax towards the end of the show and think that that would be the most fun I could have while performing.
Walk us through a typical day in the life of Brek Pingel.
A normal day in my life changes depending on the season, right now I’m involved musically in the Marching band, Orchestra, and Choir, so I rotate which class I go to for my first period of school. After school or before school, depending on the day, I have another Marching band rehearsal and a sports practice. I also usually work later at night for my job.
What other activities are you involved in?
Outside of music I’m involved in Cross Country, Swim, and Soccer along with working a job.
Who do you look up to? And, why?
I look up to a lot of people, musically I look up to jazz greats like Charles Mingus, and athletically I look up to amazing goalkeepers like Emiliano Martínez. Both pushed boundaries in what they do and when I see them I want to work as hard as I can and be the best I can.
A look bAck
By Tom Tourville
WHEN A “PACKAGE SHOW” WAS SPECIAL
THE SHANGRI-LAS PLAY FORT DODGE
One of my favorite terms in rock and roll has always been “Package Show.” It was a show that always had a great opening and backing band, usually a big or mega-star group and a surprise added group or two along the way. One of those “package” shows played Ft Dodge at the Pla Mor in July of 1967. These shows always delivered!
I can only imagine what the phone call was like when in 1967 Hays, Kansas’s James Reardon & Associates called the Pla Mor Ballroom with a little business proposition with a package show offer. Don’t forget, package shows were not that common in the late ‘60s, as they were not always being offered to music venues any longer.
from New York. Last but not least, Reardon added to this special tour one of the top bands he had in his music agency the Hays, Kansas based, the Playmate Blues Band. These guys were a real powerhouse.
This kind of show took a lot work to put together, but Jim Reardon was never afraid of hard work. He built one of the very best package shows offered in the Midwest in many years. A few months ago I wrote a story on Reardon’s magical success with the Topeka, Kansas band, the Jerms. Don’t forget, this is the same man that played a key role in the creation of the Blue Things.
Reardon built a special three act package show for ballroom. From New York, NY, were the Red Bird Records recording artists, the Shangri-Las. Next was the Shangri-Las backing band the Shangorrillas, also
What made this package show so impressive, it was headlined by one of the biggest and most popular girl groups in the business, the Shangri-Las. There girls were perceived to be New York smart, street savvy and they sang, talked and dressed like it. The show had a little culture shock built into it for the kids to see and hear. This all helped sell tickets.
Let’s look at the show. The Shangri-Las consisted of sisters Mary and Betty Weiss and twin sisters Marguerite “Marge” and Mary Ann Ganser. The group
got their start in 1963 when four school friends formed a singing group. At first they didn’t have a name, but chose the Shangri-Las after a restaurant they frequented in Queens, NY. They were quickly signed by the Kama Sutra Records Company and assigned to the Smash Records label to release their first record.
In 1964 they would become nationally known when they were brought back to Red Bird Records with their national release of “Walking In The Sand/It’s Easier To Cry” (Red Bird #008) that went to #5 on the Billboard charts. That was followed by “Leader Of The Pack/What Is Love” (Red Bird #014) that topped the charts by reaching #1 nationally in the United States and Canada and #2 in England.
That was followed by “Give Him A Great Big Kiss/ Twist & Shout” and “I Can Never Go Home Anymore/Bulldog” with both also being on Red Bird Records from 1965. As you can see, they were an amazing head-liner for this tour to the Pla Mor Ballroom. The Shangri-Las were so popular, they appeared on such TV shows as the iconic Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, Shindig and Hullabaloo.
It was common for a music agency to hire a ”working” band to back the head-liner. This was the situation with the mysterious Shangorrillas. I wish I knew who was in this group. In the case of the Playmate Blues Band, Reardon added one of his agencies very best groups. The band called Hays , Kansas home and consisted of: Mike Kelly-guitar, Bill Siebel-horns and vocals, Rich Bisterfeldt-drums and Gary Cooley-bass. Later Kelly and Bisterfeldt would go on to join the Blue Things. As you can see it was a star studded show that came to the Pla Mor Ballroom.
In talking with Jim Reardon, it has been hard to re-trace the exact locations for this 1967 tour across the Midwest, but I was able to establish three shows between July 5th to July 8th with shows on July 5th at the Roof Garden Ballroom, Okoboji, IA, July 7th here in Ft Dodge at the Pla Mor Ballroom and July 8th at the Valhalla Ballroom outside Slayton, MN. I’m still looking where they played on July 6th.
Just think how lucky we were living in this hotbed of rock and roll in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. It was always exciting. The newspaper ad that I’m using with my story is the original that was used here in Ft Dodge in the Messenger. It was used at every stop on the Shangri-Las tour with just date changes. This one is dated for the Fort Dodge show, Keep rockin’.
artistspot
Sean Mulvihill
Age: 44 • Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL
College: University of Southern California (BFA) Mississippi University for Women (MFA)
Profession: Actor/Director
What role did theatre and the arts play in your childhood growing up?
I think the performing arts opened a door to a new world with unlimited possibilities. I was able to channel all my antsy energy into something that people would sit and be mesmerized by. I discovered a calling and I answered it enthusiastically.
What is your earliest memory of theatre/art?
I attended Peter Pan as a child and I can remember being amazed that the actors were acting flying around over the stage above us. I recall thinking that I wanted to do that!
At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in theatre?
My junior year of high school, I asked my parents if
theatres around the Midwest to see if I could get a job acting somewhere. For that summer, I was accepted by the MacLeod Playhouse in Carbondale, IL on a 7-week contract and they paid me a stipend to perform in two musicals and a cabaret. When I received my paycheck from the theatre, I said to myself, “I am a professional actor.” And from that day forward, I pursued as much acting work as possible. Eventually I developed other skills in the theatre (and in film) like writing, directing and producing that also provided income.
What was your college theatre experience like?
I was amazed at how talented and passionate the other students were. My undergrad program at USC had an independent student production program and I wrote my first play and directed it. I also got a chance to be in
a production of Grease that was directed by Kelly Ward, one of the T-Birds from the movie. During one of the performances there was a power outage in the theatre so we did most of the second act with just a spotlight! My graduate program took place on a campus in Italy, and I loved learning a totally different approach to acting called Physical Theatre. I learned modalities like clowning, mime, and commedia dell’arte.
What was the biggest lesson you learned while working in the theatre world?
The Stage Manager is someone who can really make or break your experience in a professional run, so be very respectful to them. Once the show is running and the director leaves, the SM becomes all-powerful and the de facto director.
Since you have recently relocated to Fort Dodge, what are you most looking forward to as far as the theatre and arts scene goes?
I am looking forward to enjoying some of the concerts that we have coming to the Decker Auditorium this fall and to checking out some local community theatre, music, museums, and art!
Tell us about some of your theatre/arts related accomplishments.
Founding & Leading the Exuberant Theatre Company – Established a thriving New York City (and later San Diego–based) company performing shows and offering acting, improv comedy, and writing classes.
Directing and Producing Act Social– a feature film starring Colin Mochrie of Whose Line is it Anyway? that won the Film Heals Award at the 2021 Manhattan Film Festival.
International Acting Career – Performed professionally since age 16, with extensive experience on stage and screen, credits include: starring in Sony Playstation Videogame “Loading Human”, featured in RAI Italy network TV show Questo Nostro Amore, Italian National Tours for Action Theatre, Singer at Venetian Macau Casino in China, 2-year run in improv comedy show at New York City’s Broadway Comedy Club. Regional theatre credits at Tuacahn Ampitheatre in St. George, UT; Great Plains Theatre in Abilene, KS; and DramaRama in St. Louis, MO.
Member Actors Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild. Wrote and premiered 2 shows at International Theatre Festivals: Velo and Puppy Love.
Innovative Theatre Education – Created and taught signature programs such as the Act4Fun series, directed kids’ productions like Alice in Wonderland Jr., Matilda, Jr., and The Lion King Kids and specialty workshops in physical theatre, improv, clown and musical theatre.
MFA in Physical Theatre – Earned a Master of Fine Arts in Physical Theatre, integrating advanced performance techniques from internationally recognized training methods into my teaching, directing, and artistic projects.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My dad. He is honest, hardworking, and has a good sense of humor. He really knows how to enjoy life, balancing work and play.
What are you most looking forward to as you step into your new Theatre role at Iowa Central Community College?
Building a community of artists who see themselves as empowered, worthy, and adding value to the world through their creative expression.
How do you spend your free time?
I love camping, hiking, swimming, and going out dancing.
What would you tell a student considering a career in theatre?
Work hard and keep an open mind. Something in the entertainment industry that you only dabble in now might eventually become your money-making niche and your passion.
KRIS KARR SOLO PERFORMANCES PLANNED
Kris Karr is known for the ability to change his voice, as well as his extended vocal range. His selection of music centers around songs from the 1970s and originals. Karr delivers a straight through performance with no breaks.
The cover songs Karr chooses to sing are a mixture of rock, country, blues, funk, folk, and pop. Audience members can expect to sing along with the Eagles, the Beatles, Dolly Parton, Neil Young, Bryan Adams, James Taylor, the Rolling Stones, and many more.
He also sings his own original songs in each performance which include “Rust,” “Ghost,” and “Walk on Over to My House.”
In September Kris Karr has two local solo performances. The first will be on Friday, Sept. 19 at Sather Odgaard VFW Post 5420 in Dakota City, 412 Main St. The performance will begin at 8 p.m.
The second performance will be on Sunday, Sept. 28 at River Valley Orchards and Winery in Humboldt, 1645 220th St. This performance begins at 1p.m. Each event is open to the public and free to attend.
at soldier creek winery
SEPT 5
NEDD FREELEY FUNN BAND 6-8PM LIVE MUSIC
SEPT 19 ADAM GIRARD 6-8PM LIVE MUSIC
SEPT 12 LONE TREE REVIVAL 6-8PM LIVE MUSIC
SEPT 26
SEPT 14 BINGO 3-5PM SUPPORTING SALVATION ARMY
SEPT 28 BINGO 3-5PM SUPPORTING SALVATION ARMY
1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge
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Scan the QR code or visit stophiviowa.org to learn more
