'Hoot 'n a holler': Medora fall musical serenades Western Edge

Ashley Koffler, The Dickinson Press, N.D.
·3 min read

Oct. 20—MEDORA, N.D. — Classic country music songs and lots of laughs set the stage for Medora's fall musical performance, "

Honky Tonk Angels

." The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation production is the crowning performance of the Old Town Hall Theater's fall lineup.

Alixandra Johnson, digital media specialist with TRMF, highlighted what musical goers can expect.

"It runs through November 6, and it is nonstop top to bottom, just classic country hit after classic country hit," Johnson said. "And that sort of drives the story of these three female friends who hop on a bus to Nashville and sort of find friendship in each other and explore the power of country music."

Tim Olson, TRMF communications specialist, said the play is led by three actresses that each have a unique singing voice.

"The three leading singers are just incredible, really great musicians from around the country who are cast to do this," Olson said. "It's an original story and it features a lot of songs that people know. So that's kind of the fun of it. People can sing along and be familiar with what they're hearing, but it tells a story of three ladies finding their way to Nashville and meeting each other. So it's very cool."

The characters' personalities are as distinct as their singing voices, making for a "hilarious, foot-stomping good time that celebrates following your dreams, independence, and friendship."

"It's a lot of fun," Olson said. "It's kind of a new reason to get out to the Badlands at a really pretty time of year too."

The indoor theater is a renovated, historic location, Olson said. Although it doesn't have quite the same ambiance as the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, where the summer musicals are performed, the cast and story match the energy, Johnson said. The smaller stage and cast make for a more intimate experience.

"It is, I would say, a similar atmosphere in that it's really high energy country music top to bottom, but it is a little different from what audiences would expect to see during the summer," Johnson said.

"Honky Tonk Angels" was written by Ted Swindley. Grand Forks native Lauren Sanner is part of the cast, playing Darlene.

Johnson said the show is family friendly, but might not pique the interests of the youngest audiences.

"It is a hoot and a holler type comedy, definitely aimed at adults," Johnson said. "We certainly have had children at the show. You know, Medora is known for being family friendly. We wouldn't turn kids away from the show. But certainly, I think it would be more enjoyed if you get your kids a sitter and take your sweetie out for a night in Medora."

The nearly two hour show plays Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. This is the second year TRMF has expanded their events by putting on a fall show.

"Last year we had a different show called 'Ring of Fire,' which sort of similarly was a jukebox musical with the music of Johnny Cash," Johnson said. "It's a really women-led show this year. So it's all Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. Sort of the other side of the coin from last year's show."