PUPOSKY — Several local performers, including area high school students, will feature in the Mask and Rose Theater’s upcoming production of “Hadestown: Teen Edition,” running Aug. 21-25 in Puposky.
Featuring a cast of 16, directed by Cate Belleveau and choreographed by Fen Sommerville with musical assistance by Melody Mark, “Hadestown” is a love story based on Greek mythology.
“The music of ‘Hadestown’ is a rich tapestry woven from folk, jazz, blues and other American roots music styles, all set within a unique, industrial-tinged world inspired by Greek mythology,” a release said. “The show, written by Anaïs Mitchell, tells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, reimagined within a post-apocalyptic, Depression-era setting.”
Sophie Hordichok, who plays the lead role of Eurydice, is a senior at Bemidji High School. She has been in the Minnesota All-State Choir for two years, and her first season of Vocalmotive, BHS’ varsity show choir, begins this fall.
Hordichok has been involved in musical theater for more than 10 years, including numerous community and high school productions, the most recent being: Ariel in “The Little Mermaid, Jr.,” Janis in “Mean Girls” and Alice in “Alice in Wonderland,” the release said.
Fen Sommerville, who plays one of the Fates, is also a senior at BHS, where she is a member of A Capella Choir and Vocalmotive. Last year, she received the Showstopper Award as the standout performer in Vocalmotive at all three competitions presenting this honor, the release added.
Sommerville also dances competitively, earning a Judges Choice Award at DX Nationals and placing in overalls with her Senior Elite Solo. This is her second production at Mask and Rose Theater and her premier production as choreographer.
Braden Branson, who plays a worker, is a senior at BHS and a three-year member of Vocalmotive. “Hadestown” is Branson’s second musical production, previously playing Aaron Samuels in BHS’ production of “Mean Girls.”
Ava Lindsey, who also plays a worker, is a sophomore at BHS. In addition to being a Vocalmotive member, she dances, teaches and choreographs at First City Dance Studio. She also competes in various styles of dance every year.
Other area high school students who play workers in the musical are Trek North High School junior Waasebiik Belgarde; Bemidji High School sophomore Maria Laesch from Shevlin; homeschooled sophomore McKenzie Mike; Bemidji High School freshman Natalie Corcoran; and homeschooled freshman Elijah Wood from Laporte.
To learn more about the local youth and adult performers in the musical, visit the Mask and Rose Women’s Theater Collective Facebook page.
Performances of “Hadestown” will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 21-23 and 25, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Aug. 24.
Seating is limited and tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets are available for purchase at McKenzie Place in Bemidji, 802 Paul Bunyan Drive SE. McKenzie Place is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
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