Area summer theater programs are dealing with the same flood threats and blocked roads the rest of the area is facing.
Hardest hit has been the Souris Valley summer theater at Estevan, Sask., which for the first time in its 22-year history has cancelled its season.
"We have no theater," said Angela Simmons, interim director of the troupe.
The theater, just across the Souris River from Woodlawn Regional Park, was surrounded a few days ago as the river topped its banks. But since then the Canadian dams which help control the river had to change outflows and now Froelich Hall, the theater building, has water standing in it.
In addition to two repertoire musical performances which Souris Valley has produced for several years, they had considered adding a third show, perhaps off site. Now, Simmons said, "if we can find a venue for it, we might still do that, as a 'Save our Theater' fundraiser.
"In the meantime, I cancelled contracts for cast and crew," she continued. "Even if we had a theater, our housing accommodations are afloat."
She noted Woodlawn Provincial Park is refunding summer camping fees, noting a campground official doubted camping there would be possible before July 15. The golf course and other Estevan facilities also are unusable for the early summer.
Fort Totten
At the Fort Totten Little Theater south of Devils Lake, the company is also responding to high water.
Because of rising lake levels and closed roads, the Fort Totten theater group is moving its plays from the historic theater at the Fort Totten Historic site to the Lake Region College on the north side of Devils Lake.
"We used that air-conditioned theater in 1990 and 2000 before the roads to Fort Totten were raised the last time," said Armin Hanson of Devils Lake.
Performances of this season's musical production of "Annie" run Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. July 6-13.
Reservations open June 22 and can be made by calling 662-8888.
"We also will have gourmet meals served before evening shows, with the college doing the catering," Hanson said.
Bottineau
Plans for a third area theater company's summer productions are also up in the air.
Tim Davis, longtime director of the Bottineau Community Theater, said his group has not been able to get a play together for June. The Davis Playhouse has groundwater seepage in its basement, but Davis thought that obstacle could be overcome.
"Many of our most reliable actors are not available in the early summer," he said. "We are hoping to get something on stage later in the summer."
There are some productions on deck elsewhere, however.
Rugby
The Village Arts troupe in Rugby will reprise "Medora," the musical play written by Glory Monson which was performed 10 years ago.
"In honor of Rugby's 125th anniversary this summer, co-director Deb Jenkins and I thought this was fitting," Monson said. "It will be June 27-30 at the Rugby Armory. Acoustics there may not be quite as good as at the high school, but we need the big space."
She said a cast of 51 will perform on a new 26-by-50-foot stage that is being built. The story includes Teddy Roosevelt, the Marquis de Mores and his wife, Medora, and other characters from the 1883 era, including members of the aristocracy and New York financiers mingled with the Wild West people of the Medora area.
Tickets for "Medora" go on sale Monday. There are no reserved seats, but tickets can be picked up at the door. For information or reservations, call 776-2787.
New Rockford
"Elvis is in the house" that is, in New Rockford.
The Dakota Prairie Regional Center for Arts at New Rockford will open "All Shook Up," opening July 1 and running weekends through Aug. 14.
"All Shook Up," based on Elvis Presley's life and music, "It is about how his music, coming to a square little stage, changes everything," director Deb Belquist said. "It includes major hits like 'Heartbreak Hotel,' 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Don't Be Cruel.'"
For information on the New Rockford theater, call 947-2174 or log on at (www.dprca.com).
Walhalla
Frost Fire Theater near Walhalla is bringing back "Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
The musical, with music by singer Roger Miller, opens July 9 and features two performances at 2 and 6 p.m. Saturdays, some matinees and four Wednesday evening shows.
"We did this wonderful show before," a Frost Fire official said, "and we are so lucky to have the Rev. Wayne Moore, who now serves in Omaha, return to sing the part of Jim the Slave. He was in Grand Forks the last time he performed for us, and he was able to free the time to return."
For information on Frost Fire, call 549-3600.