Category: Events

"Lustful Youth"

Auditions April 4-5 in Abrams

Packerland Team

Abrams WI March 9, 2023: Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will hold auditions April 4 and April 5 for its summer show, “Lustful Youth” to be presented June 15-18 and 22-25. This comedy, written and directed by Mike Eserkaln, calls for male and female roles, age 16 and older. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome to audition.

“Lustful Youth” is a fast-paced farce that tells the story of a television statistician who is contractually obligated to write an evening soap opera. With the help of his muse, he wanders in and out of realities as he pieces together an out-of control romp known as “Lustful Youth.” Eserkaln, the artistic director of Comedy City in De Pere, is a veteran ASPI performer and director. Anyone planning to audition can contact ASPI, 920-826-5852 or theater.aspi@gmail.com, for access to the script.

Individuals will have two opportunities to audition: 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, or Wednesday, April 5, at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Individuals who audition should come prepared to read from the script. Rehearsals will start in April.

Interested in helping out behind the scenes? ASPI is looking for volunteers to build and paint sets, sell concessions, sew costumes, usher, and help with other tasks that contribute to a community theater’s success. Contact ASPI at 920-826-5852 or theater.aspi@gmail.com to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Tickets for “Lustful Youth” go on sale April 15. Season ticket holders and Spotlight Sponsors can purchase tickets before the general public.

ASPI is celebrating its 20th season of community theater and set a goal to obtain 100 new Spotlight Sponsors before the end of the year. The theater seeks to raise over $30,000 for a new roof. Donors can choose from four sponsorship levels: Silver ($100), Gold ($250), Platinum ($500), or Corporate ($950 per show). ASPI is a volunteer-led 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations, ticket sales, and fundraising to operate. To become a Spotlight Sponsor, visit Abramstheater.com and click “Support.”

Abrams theater to present 3 shows in its 20th season

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Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will present two musicals and an original comedy in its 20th anniversary season. Plus, the community theater is raising money for a new roof. The nonprofit organization invites individuals and businesses to support the arts by becoming a Spotlight Sponsor.

The ASPI season opens with the musical “Gypsy” March 16-19 and 23-26. “Gypsy” is the tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success, while secretly yearning for her own. Tickets for “Gypsy” are on sale now at Abramstheater.com or by calling the box office, 920-826-5852. ASPI seeks volunteers to construct sets, sew costumes, work backstage, and fulfill other roles. Please contact the box office to volunteer. 

“Lustful Youth,” a two-act comedy written by Mike Eserkaln, will be performed June 8-11 and 15-18. A fast-paced farce, “Lustful Youth” tells the story of a television statistician who is contractually obligated to write an evening soap opera. With the help of his muse, he pieces together an out-of-control romp known as “Lustful Youth.” Eserkaln, the artistic director of Comedy City in De Pere, is an ASPI performer and director. 

In the final show of 2023, youth will be the featured performers in the musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.,” scheduled Nov. 30, Dec. 1-3 and 7-10. The show takes the audience on a fantastic musical adventure with a magical car.

Season tickets for the 2023 shows are now available at Abramstheater.com or 920-826-5852. All performances take place at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St. Abrams. ASPI has an exciting goal for its 20th season. By the end of 2023, ASPI seeks to obtain 100 new Spotlight Sponsors: Silver ($100), Gold ($250), Platinum ($500), or Corporate ($950 per show). With the help of its sponsors, the theater hopes to raise over $30,000 for a new roof for its facility, a 100-year-old former church. All sponsors receive early access to tickets and recognition in show programs. Gold and Platinum sponsors receive two or four tickets, respectively, to each show. To become a Spotlight Sponsor with a tax-deductible donation, visit abramstheater.com and click “Support.”

The cast of “White Christmas”
The cast of “White Christmas” performs a song at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams. Abrams Spotlight Productions presented nine sold-out shows of “White Christmas” in December and is gearing up for its 20th season, starting with “Gypsy” March 16-19 and 23-26.
The cast of “White Christmas”
The cast of “White Christmas” gathers onstage at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams. Abrams Spotlight Productions presented nine sold-out shows of “White Christmas” in December and is gearing up for its 20th season, starting with “Gypsy” March 16-19 and 23-26.

Theater Launches Raise the Roof Campaign

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Stephanie Holman with Bill Koehne
Stephanie Holman, president of the Oconto Falls Lioness Lions Club, presents a ceremonial check to Bill Koehne, president of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. The club contributed $1,000 to the community theater’s Raise the Roof fund and $250 for a new toilet.

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. launched its Raise the Roof campaign with a $1,000 donation from the Oconto Falls Lioness Lions Club. Stephanie Holman, president of the club, presented a $1,250 check to Bill Koehne, president of ASPI, with $1,000 earmarked for a new roof and $250 for a new toilet. Holman said the donation to ASPI fits well with the Lion Lioness Club’s mission to serve the community.

“The theater gives unique life experiences to a diverse group of people in our community, whether they are attending the live performances, the actors, or working behind the scenes. We feel it enriches our community, especially with the youth and the veterans,” she said.

“It’s exciting to have a local organization like the Lioness become our initial donor in kicking off the Raise the Roof campaign,” Koehne said. “Within the first couple of weeks, other donors stepped up to contribute an additional $2,500, but we’re still a long way from achieving our goal.”

The theater hopes to raise over $30,000 for a new roof. Koehne encouraged people to become Spotlight Sponsors, either Silver ($100), Gold ($250) or Platinum ($500). All sponsors receive early access to tickets and recognition in show programs. Gold and Platinum sponsors receive two or four tickets, respectively, to each show.

Approaching its 20th season, ASPI performs three or four shows every year at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, formerly St. Louis Catholic Church in Abrams. The facility, built in 1927 and home to ASPI since 2007, has undergone a series of transformations. These include the construction of a stage with modular set booms, backstage dressing rooms, a concession stand, a light, sound, and projections booth, and restoration of the original hardwood floor. ASPI built an outdoor patio and replaced the old church pews with more comfortable, padded chairs. The roof is the next project on the list.

The latest ASPI show, “White Christmas,” will be presented in eight performances, Dec. 1-4 and 8-11. An anonymous donor provided 50 free tickets to veterans, and the eight shows sold out by mid-November. So, a ninth, Raise the Roof show was added on Dec. 6.

“All but seven seats sold out within the first 72 hours,” Koehne said, referring to the Raise the Roof show. “What a tremendous show of community spirit and support of community theater.”

Only single seats are available for “White Christmas,” and the box office has a waitlist in the event of cancellations.

Over the past 20 years, ASPI has presented many amazing shows for the community to enjoy. None of these performances would be possible without the theater’s volunteers and sponsors. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit abramstheater.com and click “Support.”

Support the Arts: Theater Auction is Dec. 8-11

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Brigette Finger shows prize baskets in the ASPI Spotlight Auction
Brigette Finger, a volunteer with Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc., shows prize baskets included in the ASPI Spotlight Auction on Dec. 8-11. To bid on prizes, visit biddingowl.com/ASPI.

Support the arts by participating in the online auction benefitting Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc., an Oconto County community theater organization. More than 60 items are up for grabs, including sailing cruises, golf packages, hotel stays, and homemade candy, cookies, and dinners. The auction also features theater-related prizes like season tickets, a cameo appearance in an ASPI musical, and in-person performances by characters from “Beauty and the Beast” and “White Christmas.”

The ASPI Spotlight Auction opens at 12 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, and ends at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Prize pick-up is scheduled from 12-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at the theater, 5852 Maple St. Abrams. Merchandise is sorted by category for easy viewing and bidding online. To view prizes and place a bid, visit biddingowl.com/ASPI.

ASPI is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that presents musicals, comedies, and dramas at the Nancy Byng Community Theater. The theater is operated solely by volunteers, and proceeds from the auction help bring high-energy, live entertainment to the community. ASPI currently is running two capital campaigns to raise funds for a new sound system and roof.

ASPI thanks all of its supporters, especially the local businesses and individuals who donated to the auction. To learn more about ASPI, visit AbramsTheater.com.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Oconto County

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In conjunction with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is partnering with Bellin Health, Healthy Oconto County, Oconto Falls Police Department and Oconto County Sheriff’s Department to offer drive-thru, medication drop-off locations on Saturday, Oct. 29:

  • HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Bellin Health Oconto Hospital, 820 Arbutus Ave., Oconto, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Lakewood Town Hall, 17181 Twin Pines Rd., Lakewood, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Gillett Police Department,150 N. McKenzie Ave., Gillett, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guidelines
All waste pharmaceuticals must be generated by a household – no businesses are allowed.
All sites will be drive thru only and we request persons stay in their vehicle. A volunteer will come to collect your items.
Bring: Prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices (batteries removed).
Do not bring: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), mercury thermometers.

  • Participants may dispose of medication(s) by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into a disposal box or into a clear sealable plastic bag. Plastic pill containers should not be collected. Blister packages without the medications being removed are acceptable.
  • Liquids will be accepted during this initiative. However, the liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging and their weight evenly distributed within the boxes of collected solid prescription medications. Liquids without the original packaging will not be accepted.
  • Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

Community members are also reminded that many drug disposal boxes are open year-round.

Unused or expired medicine should never be flushed or poured down the drain as water reclamation facilities are not designed to remove all pharmaceuticals and trace amounts are showing up in rivers and lakes.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital logo

Abrams Troupe to Present ‘White Christmas’

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Ali Carlson and Elizabeth Jolly - Cast of White Christmas
Ali Carlson and Elizabeth Jolly will perform the song “Sisters” with these feathered fans in the Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. show, “White Christmas.” Tickets are on sale now for the Abrams community theater production.

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites the community to its performance of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” Tickets are on sale now for this tale of joy and goodwill. The musical, directed by Debra Jolly, will be presented Dec. 1-4 and 8-11 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams.

“’White Christmas’ is a long-time tradition for those of us who remember the beloved movie televised every Christmas and remember the sacrifices made by the soldiers and those on the home front of World War II,” Jolly said. “It is about longing for home and family and love, especially when you are far away, not knowing when or if you will get home again.”

Veterans are an important part of “White Christmas,” and a generous donor gifted 50 free tickets for veterans. Veterans are encouraged to call the box office, 920-826-5852, to reserve free tickets while supplies last.

“We are proud to honor all veterans and thank them for their service as we offer all our audience members this classic story for Christmas,” Jolly said.

“White Christmas” is a story about a song-and-dance team, played by Bobby Buffington and Preston Pelegrin, who put on a show in a Vermont inn and fall for a stunning sister act, played by Elizabeth Jolly and Ali Carlson. The show is full of dancing, laughter, and some of the greatest songs ever written. The score features “Blue Skies” and of course, the unforgettable title song, “White Christmas.”

“The songs are great, and the harmonies this cast produces are amazing,” Jolly said. “The dancing includes tap, jazz, ballroom and ballet – something for everyone.”

The colorful costumes ring true to the happy 1950s look.

“The number of costumes required is daunting, especially with a community theater budget and a theater building that needs a new roof, but we had a wonderfully hard-working and frugal costume crew to make it work,” Jolly said.

New at the theater for this performance is a side stage to keep the show moving seamlessly through scene changes. Also new is a winter-themed special effect.

“We will have snow for this ‘White Christmas!’” Jolly said.

“White Christmas” is based on the Paramount Pictures film and is written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, and Melvin Frank. Music and lyrics are by Irving Berlin, with book by David Ives and Paul Blake. “White Christmas” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com.

To order tickets, visit abramsspotlightproductions.com or call the box office, 920-826-5852.

“Blessing of the Animals” in Green Bay, Sheboygan and Oconto Falls

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In October, people all over the world celebrate the feast day (Oct. 4) of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals, and his life of love and service is followed by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, the founding institute of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS).

In honor of the Feast of St. Francis, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls will host “Blessing of the Animals” events – free and open to the public.
Pets of all kinds – and their people – are welcome to these outdoor, Ecumenical events. All animals in attendance must be on a leash, and pet owners must clean up after their pets. Community members are also welcomed to bring photos of their pets to be blessed.

HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, 1726 Shawano Ave., Green Bay

  • 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 2
  • Event to be held in far west parking lot.
  • Parking: Far west parking lot closest to Shawano Ave., immediately to your right as you turn into the parking lot.

HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital, 3100 Superior Ave., Sheboygan

  • 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 2
  • Event to be held in parking lot, west of Chapel.
  • Parking: Enter through Superior Avenue entrance. Proceed and use road around the parking lot to Chapel Entrance.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls

  • 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 9
  • Event to be held on South lawn.
  • Parking: Use Entrance 6 off County Hwy I.

Community Medication Take Back Event

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Area residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded medications at a HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

Those dropping off medications should remain in their vehicle and a volunteer will come to collect.

Guidelines
All waste pharmaceuticals must be generated by a household – no businesses are allowed.

Bring: Prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications. Cross out identifying information on the containers.

  • Participants may dispose of medication(s) by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into a disposal box or into a clear sealable plastic bag. Plastic pill containers should not be collected. Blister packages without the medications being removed are acceptable.
  • Liquids will be accepted during this initiative. However, the liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging and their weight evenly distributed within the boxes of collected solid prescription medications. Liquids without the original packaging will not be accepted.

Do not bring: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), mercury thermometers.

Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

This community event is being held in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which aims to rid homes of unused medications that create a public health and safety concern because they can be stolen, abused, accidentally ingested or improperly disposed of.

Abrams Theater to Hold Auditions for Summer Comedy

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Everyone enjoys a good laugh, and the community theater in Abrams will be rocking with laugher this summer. Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. is looking for actors who enjoy making people laugh – without cracking up themselves!

The Foreigner

Mike Eserkaln, the artistic director of Comedy City in De Pere, will direct the ASPI summer comedy, “The Foreigner.” “The Foreigner” is a funny, two-act comedy by American playwright Larry Shue, who also wrote “The Nerd.”

The show will be presented June 16-19 and 23-26 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Eserkaln was last seen on the ASPI stage in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” He understands comedy, and he’s looking for men and women, ages 15 and older, who love to make people laugh.

Actors will have two opportunities to auditions: anytime from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, or Wednesday, April 27, at the Nancy Byng Community Theater. Everyone auditioning will be asked to do a short reading from the play. No prep is necessary.

Virtual auditions are available for those unable to audition in person. To schedule a virtual audition, contact ASPI at 920-826-5852 or theater.aspi@gmail.com.

The story takes place in a fishing lodge in rural Georgia where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent and claims to not understand English. Taking the explanation that he’s a non-English speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge.

The comedy received two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production.

For more information about auditions, visit abramsspotlightproductions.com or call 920-826-5852.

The Wisconsin Singers Back on Stage in Oconto Falls

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The Wisconsin Singers performing ENCORE!

Join us for an incredible evening of music as THE WISCONSIN SINGERS, with opening act ENCORE!, perform on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Falls Area Performing Arts Center.

The Wisconsin Singers, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s premiere entertainment company, is
proud to present its newest show, Come Alive! Featuring stunning vocals, Broadway-caliber choreography, big band sound, and Badger spirit, audiences of all ages are sure to be entertained as UW’s most talented students take to the stage.

Come Alive! celebrates the thrill of live music from the past five decades of American Pop music. Covering more than 40 songs in this exciting and fast-paced show, Wisconsin Singers highlight some of the music-industry’s greatest artists ranging from Elvis Presley and the Four Seasons to Lady Gaga and Elton John. Wisconsin Singers will win your heart with award-winning Broadway show-stoppers from musicals like Kiss Me Kate, Pippin, and Chicago. And kids of all ages will delight in their favorite songs from Frozen, Peter Pan, and the ever popular superhero cartoons. Badger fans will bring down the house as they sing along with Bucky to Fifth Quarter classics like “On Wisconsin,” Varsity,” and of course, “Jump Around.” And to cap off this unforgettable production, the celebrated Wisconsin Singers’ band showcases its special blend of jazz, funk, and classic rock like never before. Come Alive! is guaranteed terrific entertainment for the whole family!

The Opening Act ENCORE! will feature students from grades 4-12 in the Oconto Falls School District who will sing and dance to several Broadway and Pop selections! They will also join the Wisconsin Singers in a special musical selection.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the Wisconsin Singers for an upbeat, entertaining night!” Amy Thiel, OFHS Choral Director, director of Encore!, and coordinator for the performance said.

Tickets $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets available at the door and online at https://ofps.revtrak.net/ Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. All tickets are GENERAL ADMISSION.

This event is made possible through the support and sponsorship of Kurt and Diane Gruett.