HILLSBORO — Myers Dinner Theatre is pleased to present “Don’t Hug Me.”
This musical comedy, with lyrics by Phil Olsen and music by Paul Olsen, is directed by TJ Bird and runs from today through Oct. 5.
“Don’t Hug Me” takes place in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota. It’s the coldest day of the year and cantankerous bar owner, Gunner Johnson, wants to sell the business and move to Florida. Clara, his wife and former Winter Carnival Bunyan Queen, wants to stay. Bernice Lundstrom, the pretty waitress, wants to pursue a singing career. Her fiancé, Kanute Gunderson, wants her to stay home. It’s a battle of wills, and when a fast-talking salesman, Aarvid Gisselsen, promises to bring romance into their lives through the “magic” of karaoke, all heck breaks loose.
Featured in this production are MDT alumni Henry Allan (as Kanute Gunderson), Rebecca Lea Evans (as Bernice Lundstrom), Don Hart (as Gunner Johnson) and Teresa Ross (as Clara Johnson). New to the Myers’ stage is Nathaniel Wright (Aarvid Gisselsen).
Filled with boatloads of Minnesota-isms and hilarious songs like, “I’m a Walleye Woman in a Crappie Town” and “My Smorgasboard of Love,” “Don’t Hug Me” will have audiences hooked, you betcha.
“Don’t Hug Me” will feature a food menu combining MDT favorites as well as new items themed to the production. Selections will include: meatloaf, turkey breast and gravy, ham and cheesy potatoes, corn casserole, sweet potato deluxe, and peas; for dessert, pumpkin bars and brownies. The corn casserole and sweet potato deluxe recipes come straight from the kitchen of owner Misty McGrady. Another specialty item, ham and cheesy potatoes, was selected from a “Minnesota Hot Dish” cookbook, adding an additional personal touch to the menu offerings during this production.
During the run of “Don’t Hug Me,” a concert will be presented by local musicians Jake & Mikayla on Sept. 26. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. with show at 8 p.m. Jake & Mikayla perform original country songs backed by guitar and fiddle playing. More details about their music can be found at
https://jakeandmikayla.com/.
Wednesday matinee seating for meals is at 11:30 a.m. with curtain at 1:30 p.m. Friday evening performances will have seating for meals at 6 p.m. with curtain at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees will have seating for meals at noon and curtain at 2 p.m. A special “show-only” performance will be offered Sept. 21 with curtain at 7 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 765-798-4902, ext. 2, or by visiting the MDT website at www.myersdt.com.
Guests are encouraged to take advantage of special pricing during this production. For opening weekend performances, dinner and show tickets are offered for $45, including taxes and fees. Throughout the entire run of “Don’t Hug Me,” show-only tickets are $25, including taxes and fees.
Performance dates and times can vary, so consult the online calendar for updated information. Regular theater prices are $59.54 for dinner and show, $47.50 for students (ages 4-18), and show-only for $39.50. Prices do not include taxes, handling fees or gratuity for waitstaff. Season tickets, group pricing and bus parking are also available.
Myers Dinner Theatre is located at 108 Water St., Hillsboro and is handicapped accessible.
