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Father and son co-direct “Beauty and the Deceased”

The Wolf River Theatrical Troupe will present “Beauty and the Deceased” for two weekends, starting April 28. This is a film noir 2-Act comedy by Marc Holland and Michael Davis.

The story is set in the 1940’s. It’s a time of big cars, guys in fedoras and dames who are as quick with a wisecrack as they are with a gun. Into this world walks Nick Addams (two D’s), Private Eye. Nick is hired by a beautiful woman to solve the problem that is plaguing the nightclub that she owns with her husband. The husband is murdered and Nick is framed and must find the killer. Throw in a girl Friday who keeps saving Nick’s neck, a bunch of killers hired to rub out a gumshoe named Nick Adams (one D, no relation), an underworld kingpin who might just have something to do with all this and other colorful characters who frequent the Blue Orchid nightclub.

Director Wally Schmidt is retired and has been involved in several plays with the Wolf River Theatrical Troupe – in set building, acting and directing. Wally said, “This is a first to be able to co-direct with my son Andrew. It is a great opportunity to be together.”

Andrew Schmidt is a band director at Hortonville High School, where he directs the orchestra for the musicals and also directs the spring plays. In addition to co-directing “Beauty and the Deceased”, he plays Nick Addams. “It’s a large cast and I’m grateful that my family members have jumped into several of the parts. It has been great to work with them,” said Andrew.

Leon Krake, who plays the Maitre D’, is getting back into theatre after 40 years and said, “I appreciate having a bit part with this wonderful cast”.

The cast includes: Andrew Schmidt, Jennifer Oge, Abby Schmidt, Stephanie Friebohle, Mark Grossman, Clint Danke, Ken Laudolff, Jen Steffen, Wendy Lauer, Tim Schmidt, Peter Lauer, Ernie Anderson, Lyndon Letwin, Mitch Mulroy, Jacob Hopple, Sally Anderson, James Pompa, Leon Krake and Mickey Schmidt. Directors are Wally Schmidt and Andrew Schmidt.

Performance dates for “Beauty and the Deceased” are April 28, 29 & 30, May 5, 6 & 7. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Wolf River Theatre, 225 West North Water Street. Admission is $10 in advance and $8 for students for reserved seating; $11 at the door. To make reservations call Judy at 920-982-6060 or the theatre 920-538-1096.

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