×

The show goes on

Minot Summer Theatre continues to sparkle after decades of entertainment

Submitted Photo Founded on the principles of great seating and an intimate view of the performance, the summer amphitheater has featured live performances by the Minot Summer Theatre since 1970.

With 52 years of showstopping entertainment, Minot Summer Theatre continues to be a

premier attraction for Magic City audiences.

From producing character twists to the gunslinging love story “Oklahoma,” directed by Minot artist Chad Gifford, the comical de force title “Noises Off,” directed by Minot State University alumnus Joe Koppinger, to artists of various crafts and disciplines continue to show a relentless desire to capture the hearts, minds and imaginations of area theatergoers.

Paving the way for these courageous artists were revolutionary founders Harold Aleshire and Thomas Turner, who created Minot Summer Theater in 1966.

At the time of Minot Summer Theatre’s conception, Aleshire was the chairman and professor of Minot State University’s Division of Humanities while Turner was a faculty member of in the Department of Communication Arts.

Submitted Photo Actors prepare for their Minot Summer Theatre production of “Oklahoma,” in 2016.

Between the innovative duo, Aleshire and Turner created an ingenious brand of theater that continues to stand the test of time.

With just over a half century of live entertainment, the late Aleshire and Turner redefined Minot’s creative landscape by featuring iconic plays “Damn Yankees,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and a hosts of other popular hits that celebrated cultural expression ranging from Americana to world musicals.

While Aleshire and Turner are the masterminds of summer theater, Minot State University students, faculty and community members play the role of architects.

Choreographer Kena Davidson, accomplished director Connie Gilseth, music director Kari Files and up and coming actor J’Kobe Wallace are some of the local talents who contribute to the exciting legacy of Minot Summer Theatre.

Another name synonymous with Minot Summer Theatre is Kevin Neuharth.

Submitted Photo In 1966, founders Harold Aleshire and Thomas Turner hosted the Minot Summer Theatre’s debut performance, “Bye Bye Birdie,” inside their theatre tent, which seated 200.

Nicknamed “The Face of Summer Theatre,” Neuharth once said, “If it weren’t for an audience, we couldn’t go on.”

Fifty-two years ago, Aleshire and Turner, embarked on a transformative journey, that reshaped the Magic City.

Prior to 1966, summer theater in Minot was just a thought.

Possessing an eye for talent and a gift for listening, Aleshire alongside Turner gave Minot audiences what they’ve been cheering for.

With the collaboration of various MSU departments, the summer of ’66 revolutionized theater in Minot.

Submitted Photo Wind storms are a common occurrence during Minot’s summer months. Due to the dangers posed, the theatre tent was replaced by the summer amphitheater in 1970.

Under a large tent coated by multi-colored ribbons, theatregoers found their seats and discovered the pageantry of Broadway’s “Bye Bye Birdie.”

For Turner and Aleshire, providing theater in the summer time was only the beginning of their extraordinary plan.

The two titans of summer theater aspired to change the perception and presentation of popular plays.

In an effort to create a connection between the audience and the performers, simplicity became the primary focus of Aleshire and Turner.

Instead of promoting elaborate decor and ample seating, Aleshire and Turner wanted each guest to have a clear view of the stage while experiencing an intimate connection to the set design and characters of the play.

Submitted Photo Actors rehearse “Damn Yankees” for their 1966 Minot Summer Theatre performance.

To this day, great seating accompanied by an intimate theater experience remains Minot Summer Theatre’s gold standard.

With the success of “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Damn Yankees,” Minot Summer Theatre became an instant attraction for families, couples and theater afficionados.

After garnering praise from Minot-area theatergoers, Aleshire and Turner began setting their sights towards a grander stage.

Due to the demand for more seating and the destructive presence of wind storms, Turner and Aleshire devised a plan that would meet the growing popularity of summer theater while countering the outdoor elements presented by the wind.

In 1970, the summer amphitheater came into fruition thus ushering a new era for Minot’s theater scene.

Following their groundbreaking expansion, was a wave of aspiring performers seeking an opportunity to perform on Minot’s newest stage.

Neuharth, an acting stand-out with an affinity for theater, reflected the excitement felt by a new generation of performers.

Soon, the future “Face of Summer Theatre” earned the attention of Turner, who saw the promise and passion held by the MSU student.

Under the tutelage of Turner, Neuharth’s talent continued to flourish and by 1980, Turner entrusted his protege with the Minot Summer Theatre.

To honor the legacy of Aleshire and Turner, Neuharth shared their vision with directors Conrad Davidson and Mark McQuade, alongside actors Jeff Arlt, John Weninger and rising talents Grace Chermak, Chris Burch, Peg Morris and a hosts of many notable performers.

In addition to welcoming the talents of new directors and promising actors, Neuharth’s growing list of plays expanded the roles for MSU students as well as Minot-area children and adults with theater aspirations.

Today, Minot Summer Theatre remains a premier attraction for families, theater buffs and aspiring performers.

Entering 52 seasons of top-tier entertainment, audiences have seen the best talents of Minot and abroad perform Broadway hits “Godspell,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Oklahoma,” “Noises Off” and countless celebrated classics.

Under the new direction of Aili Smith, theatergoers can anticipate the combination of fresh energy and the continuation of outstanding performances.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Wizard of Oz” and “Rock of Ages” will be the featured shows provided by the Minot Summer Theatre.

To learn more about Minot Summer Theatre, visit online at www.minotstateu.edu/theatre/summer.shtml.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today