After a six-year pause without community theatre in the Kimball Area, co-directors Kenzie Traurig and Amber Wang successfully revived the theatre group this summer with a rockin’ rendition of Bye Bye Birdie in August under the new production name: Maine Prairie Company Theatre.
Traurig, who serves as the Kimball Schools Fall Musical and One Act Director, has a long history with community theatre in the Kimball Area. As a young child, she acted with the Kimball Community Playhouse in 10 productions, starting with The Music Man in 2003.
“It was a lot of fun reviving community theatre in Kimball this summer,” said Traurig. “This is what I did every summer when I was a kid and it was really cool to watch my current Kimball students do this and enjoy it.”
The cast list of 28 members and 5 stage crew members practiced five nights a week since early June to prepare for their performances on Aug. 12-14.
“We had a lot of laughs and a lot of memories were made this summer,” added Traurig. “It was so exciting to perform for our community members and showcase all of the talented people in this show!”
Nearly 300 audience members enjoyed the musical comedy, which revolved around 50’s rock star Conrad Birdie, who had just been drafted into the Army.
“Thank you to our sponsors and spectators for your support, as well as Kimball Area Community Education for your partnership with Maine Prairie Company Theatre,” added Traurig. “We are looking forward to future summer productions.”
2022 Bye Bye Birdie Cast Members
| Character/Role | Name |
| Albert Peterson - | Justin Frerich |
| Rose Alvarez - | Amber Stuhr |
| Kim MacAfee - | Hailee Weiman |
| Hugo Peabody - | Olivia Schneider |
| Conrad Birdie - | Matthew Loch |
| Harry MacAfee - | Carter Groinus |
| Doris MacAfee - | Erin Durga |
| Randolph MacAfee - | Dean Durga |
| Ursula - | Ella Myers |
| Mae Perterson - | Rachel Kuebelbeck |
| Gloria - | Kyleigh Eisenbraun |
| Maude - | Hunter Gebhardt |
| Mayor - | Jake Stang |
| Mayor's Wife (Edna) - | Kati Zimmerman |
| Kim's Girl Squad! | |
| Helen - | Aurora Voigt |
| Nancy - | Maddy Groinus |
| Alice - | Roslyn Stang |
| Margie - | Kennedy Theis |
| Deborah Sue - | Alexus Weyhrauch |
| Suzie (Tap Dancer) - | Hope Weiman |
| Wendy - | Lindsey Gebhardt |
| Peggy - | Olivia Hawley |
| Harvey Johnson - | Todd Sipe |
| Mini Girl Squad! | |
| Lucy - | Holly Helgeson |
| Annie - | Elizabeth Donnay |
| Beth - | Rose Durga |
| Tammy- | Carrine Stang |
| Mindy - | Daphne Voigt |
| STAGE CREW | STAGE CREW |
| Erin Helgeson | Erin Helgeson |
| Lucas Zimmerman | Lucas Zimmerman |
| Rhone Durga | Rhone Durga |
| Sophia Voigt | Sophia Voigt |
| Karl Lexvold | Karl Lexvold |
| DIRECTORS | DIRECTORS |
| Amber Wang | Amber Wang |
| Kenzie Traurig | Kenzie Traurig |
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