The Alexandria Lakes Area is full of snow! The entire 360-mile system of Douglas County’s snowmobile trails are OPEN! Get your sled going and get ready to ride! Douglas Area Trails Association is busy consistently grooming the trails for good riding. For the most up-to-date trail conditions and openings, check HERE.
For lodging options, many on or near the trail, click HERE.
No sled? No problem! Snowmobile rentals are available on the trail at the Snow Center at Arrowwood Resort, 320-762-1124
Autumn is a much-adored season for many reasons…cool nights around a campfire, pumpkin patches, cozy sweatshirts, and of course the beautiful vibrant colors of foliage during a Minnesota fall. Couple all that with some fun activities and special events, and you have the recipe of a perfect Autumn Getaway! Here is a list of some activities and events not-to-miss in the Alexandria Lakes Area this fall. So grab your pumpkin latte and hit the road!
You can’t let the autumn season pass you by without enjoying fall colors. To help you find some of the best areas, we have an entire article for the Fall Color Hotspots in the Alexandria Lakes Area! You can find the Fall Color Hotspots HERE.
Come experience the Grape Stomp and Fall Festival held annually at Carlos Creek Winery! The three day festival, September 14-16, is packed with excitement including 18 bands on 4 stages, over 150 food, juried art and marketplace vendors, a man cave featuring craft beer, wine tasting, and of course Grape Stomping!!
Each day has a special theme with costume and grape stomping competitions. Sunday is “Deal Day” with specials on wine and merchandise throughout the festival, and a Silent Auction that benefits the Lakes Area Humane Society. FREE Shuttles run from the Douglas County Fairgrounds and many Alexandria hotels, plus there’s plenty of on-site parking. See below for the full schedule and details!
Full details can be found at www.ccwgrapestomp.com
WCCO’s Pat Kessler & Esme Murphy visited Alexandria for their Goin’ to the Lake segments! Lots of unique Alexandria attractions were visited, and they also tried a few things for the first time including stand up paddleboarding and being in a radio theatre play. See the segments below as they visited Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Hangloose MN at Lake Carlos Marina, Lakes Area Radio Theatre, Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Bugaboo Bay!
There is endless fun in the Alexandria Lakes Area over the 4th of July holiday, from the Star Storm fireworks show to all the summer lake fun! Explore Alexandria wants to see your great photos, so we are giving away gift certificates for area businesses! All you have to do is share your pictures using the hashtag #ExploreAlex for chances to win!
Numerous winners will be randomly drawn on July 5th for gift certificates in the Alexandria Lakes Area! Prizes include gift certificates to Pike & Pint Grill, Rudy’s Redeye Grill, Holiday Inn, Phoenix Event Center, Runestone Museum, Past and Present Home Gallery, Andria Theatre, Jenna Lee Spa, Legacy of the Lakes Museum, subscription to the Echo Press and more!
Official Contest Rules on Next Page
The Alexandria Lakes Area received numerous inches of snow that got many miles of Douglas County’s snowmobile trails OPEN! Get your sled going and get ready to ride! Douglas Area Trails Association groomed the Central Lakes Trail and is readying other stretches of the over 360-mile trail system. For the most up-to-date trail conditions and openings, check here.
Love is in the air! It’s that time of year again to remind the ones we love how much they mean to us. Flowers and candy are safe bets, but the gift of memories on a romantic getaway to Alexandria is always a winner! There are plenty of great lodging options from comfy hotels to unique resorts and bed & breakfasts to spice up the romance, and there’s plenty of things to do to stay busy. More information below on how we can help, lodging specials and a list of ideas for a fun romantic getaway in Alexandria.
Here’s how Explore Alexandria Tourism can help you with your gift:
On top being a great place to visit generally, Carlos Creek Winery also has special events and options for you and your sweetie! Full details on all these events can be found HERE
ZOMBIE LOVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER! This show and dinner has it all! High drama! Comedy! A love story! …and Zombies, of course! Make reservations for either February 10th or February 17th.
WINE & DINE YOUR VALENTINE! Enjoy beautifully paired wine and food courses in an intimate setting with the people you love! Make reservations for this February 14th 4-course meal event.
CHEESE, CHOCOLATE & WINE PAIRING! Featuring a special Valentine’s Wine, Dessert & Cheese pairing for only $35! No reservations needed. Available February 17-18th.
SPARKLING SUNDAYS! Enjoy an unlimited buffet of donuts, muffins, fresh fruit, Mimosas, Pointsettias (Cranberry Juice + Minnescato) and weekly special mimosas all for just $10. Available every Sunday this month.
Take a leisurely glide on the ice at Noonan Park! Warming house on site and ice skate rentals are available at Cowing Robards.
Everyone knows one key to the heart…shopping! Take a couple’s stroll through dozens and dozens of unique shops in Downtown Alexandria. She will love it!
After a long 70 year wait, brewing is back in Alexandria! Visit Copper Trail Brewing for a taste of their locally-brewed beers. Also part of Alexandria’s Craft Beverage Trail … the Skal Crawl!
Visit Panther Distillery for tours of the facility as well as a fun gift shop. Also part of Alexandria’s Craft Beverage Trail … the Skal Crawl!
The Alexandria area has dozens of parks, trails and hundreds of lakes for outdoor winter fun. Visit our Winter Guide for ideas and listings of great parks and trails.
Immerse yourselves in deep relaxation for your mind and body. Darling Reflections Spa has dozens of options from Couples Massage, Hot Stone Treatments, Detox, Body Scrubs, Foot Treatments, Masks and more! See their full options HERE
Create a work of art together! Art Bar 39 will be hosting special couples wine & paint events. Staff will be on hand to teach you everything you need to create two pieces of art to hang together. Various events February 10-24th, visit their website for more information.
Come enjoy a romantic evening in Lake Carlos State Park by candlelight! Hit the trails, where you will be guided by the full moon and candle luminaries. Then warm up by the wood stove or enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview Warming Shelter. February 24th. More details HERE
Take in the beautiful sounds of the orchestra as they perform favorites from the theatre. February 10th at 7pm and February 11th at 2pm.
Taste test a variety of wines, spirits and Minnesota themed beers and appetizers. Raffle and games will take place at the event for a chance to win prizes! February 16th, more details HERE
Andes Tower Hills has endless fun for everyone, regardless of your experience level. Lessons and rentals available on site, and there is always good snow with their snow making machines regardless of the season’s snowfall totals. Also, get your second day free with their 2 for 1 Weekend Special…more info on the 2 for 1 HERE
Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast offers a Simply Romantic! escape for couples with a quiet, relaxing ambiance for enjoying an amorous moment together. Valentine’s 2018 special: Complimentary bottle of wine with your stay. Valid February 9th through February 17th. Reservations required. Mention ExploreAlex Romantic Getaway promotion.
Take your darling to the shores of…Lake Darling! Arrowwood Resort has a variety of accommodations from guest rooms, suites, townhomes and cottages. You’ll find plenty to do with all the on-site amenities which includes Darling Reflections Spa, Lake Cafe Restaurant, Rafters Bar, Big Splash Waterpark and more! February Couples Package includes: Overnight accommodations, couples massage, chocolate covered fruit and champagne! Rates start at $189 per night.
Winter fun has begun at Andes Tower Hills! Featuring numerous downhill runs and lifts ranging from beginner to expert, and equipment rentals and lessons onsite. Take advantage of the 2 for 1 Weekend special! You’ll get two days of ski or snowboard rentals, plus lift tickets (regular price) for the price of one when you stay overnight at one of the area’s lodging facilities! Find eligible lodging here. Make sure to keep and present your rental/lift receipts and lodging receipt. Call Andes at 320-965-2455 for more details and to confirm your participation in this offer. See you on the slopes!!
Get a fun and entertaining experience in the Alexandria Lakes Area at one low package price! On top of all the great things to do in the lakes area, take advantage of this excellent deal to explore great theatre, entertainment and food. You get everything for the low price of $49 per ticket! All the details are below:
Alexandria Area Arts is delighted to present this classic story. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. This tragic love story has been adapted for this stage by Alexandria’s own Philip Goellner.
Before television, radio variety shows were one of the primary sources of entertainment. This tradition is alive in Alexandria! Located on the shores of Lakes Geneva, Lakes Area Radio Theatre records ”old time” radio shows. Live music, their own sound effects and lively actors help bring the stories to life. Enjoy 2 original radio plays by an Alexandria author and a treat from Roers Bakery with this special discount package!
Check out one of Alexandria’s newest attractions! Test out your problem solving skills and try to escape the themed rooms within an hour! The Escape Room Alexandria has three great rooms to choose from: Aunt Bea’s Cabin, Bank Heist and the Baker Street Mystery. One adventure is included in the package price!
Also included in the package price, a delicious meal at Pike & Pint Grill! Choose from one of four entrees: 1/2 Rack BBQ Ribs, Fish and Chips, Japanese Pan Noodles or Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Shrimp or Chicken. A perfect way to get ready for the evening’s theatre production!
FULL SCHEDULE & DETAILS:
Tickets are available by calling 320-762-8300, in person at the Alexandria Area Arts Theatre or online at AlexandriaAreaArts.org . (if purchasing by phone or online, please stop by the theatre on or before April 21st to get all the tickets for each stop) If you need overnight accommodations, click here for lodging options.
Alexandria’s famed and beloved Viking statue Big Ole will turn 52 years old this April! He has had a long history over all those years in Alexandria, including slightly different looks and locations. During most of 2016 Big Ole underwent structural repairs and got a new paint coat, adding yet another chapter to his long history. Let’s take a look back at some of the past photos and history of our giant Viking as we welcome him to his first full year of his new look! A special thanks to the Douglas County Historical Society for providing some photos and history!
Built in 1965 by a fiberglass sculptor named Gordon Schumaker, Big Ole was an addition to the Minnesota display at the World’s Fair in New York. The display also featured the Kensington Runestone in an animated scene to illustrate “Minnesota, Birthplace of America.” It took a special trailer to transport the 28 foot tall/4 ton Big Ole from Minneapolis to New York, but he arrived safe in time for the World’s Fair opening on April 21, 1965. The photo below is Big Ole at the World’s Fair in New York, May 1965.
Love is in the air! It’s that time of year again to remind the ones we love how much they mean to us. For Valentine’s Day we shower our loved ones with flowers, chocolates and surprises. While the flowers and candy are safe bets, many of us may struggle with the surprise part. Luckily Cupid’s arrow never misses in Alexandria, so make it easy on yourself and plan a romantic get-away! There are plenty of great lodging options from comfy hotels to unique resorts and bed & breakfasts to spice up the romance. Additionally, this following list will help you with all the other details:
Try something new! Lakes Area Radio Theatre is performing two live radio shows featuring romance. For only $8 at the door, you and your sweetheart can be part of the live studio audience and see “Life of Riley” & “My Favorite Husband.” Friday, February 10th at 7pm. More info here.
It’s the time of year again to take in holiday season events from music and plays to the simply joys of beautiful seasonal decorations. On top of special events, there are also great ways to enjoy the season with fun outdoor Winter Activities in Alexandria! To help you make the most of the season we have a list of 17 holiday celebrations and events to enjoy in the Alexandria, MN lakes area! You can find additional information on our Events Calendar and more winter resources in our website’s Winter Guide will help you plan some fun activities.
The Holiday Season really ramps up the day after Thanksgiving with the Runestone Museum‘s Christmas at the Fort and Lighting Ceremony. If you missed the festivities this year, don’t sweat! It’s only the beginning of the season and the lights on Broadway are shining bright every night! Stroll through a festive Downtown atmosphere while gazing at the beautiful window displays in the stores. On top of having unique local businesses to shop for everyone on your Christmas list, the lights and decorations Downtown will certainly add some cheer to everyone who experiences it.
The autumn season in the Alexandria lakes area has been outstanding in 2016! Great weather complimented an extremely long fall foliage season which lasted from early September to late October. Explore Alexandria wanted to see all your great photos while exploring autumn around Alexandria, so we ran a contest which got users submitted by tagging us or using the hashtag #ExploreAlex. Thanks to everyone who shared their awesome fall photos! So much talent out there, so here is a collection of most of the submissions. ENJOY!
The Alexandria lakes area is home to over 300 lakes, dozens of trails, many public parks and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. On top of that, the area has a great diversity of tree species which makes it a great area to enjoy fall colors. Autumn is a fleeting time of year, with a fixed amount of time to take in your fall color eye candy. That’s why we want to see all your beautiful pictures of autumn hues from the Alexandria lakes area! Whether it’s a current picture or a picture you took in the past, share it with us for a chance to win great prizes!
There are 2 ways to submit your photos!
1. Share on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #ExploreAlex (must be public post to submit)
2. Post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag @ExploreAlexMN (must be public post to submit)
Winners will be drawn randomly on October 20th. 8 winners will receive (2) waterproof Explore Alexandria smartphone protectors, 2 winners will receive Big Ole picture frames and smartphone protectors, and one lucky winner will receive the grand prize Exploration Package (see below)!
Official contest rules can be found on the last page. We will share all the submissions in a post on our website with credit given to submitter. The next few pages have some pictures from the last couple years around the Alexandria area to get you in the mood. Enjoy, and have fun!
Alexandria’s famed and beloved Viking statue Big Ole, now 51 years old, has a long history including different looks and locations. Over the past year Big Ole has undergone structural repairs and a new paint coat, adding yet another chapter to his long history. Let’s take a look back at some of the past photos and history of our giant Viking as we welcome him to his new look! A special thanks to the Douglas County Historical Society for providing some photos and history!
Built in 1965 by a fiberglass sculptor named Gordon Schumaker, Big Ole was an addition to the Minnesota display at the World’s Fair in New York. The display also featured the Kensington Runestone in an animated scene to illustrate “Minnesota, Birthplace of America.” It took a special trailer to transport the 28 foot tall/4 ton Big Ole from Minneapolis to New York, but he arrived safe in time for the World’s Fair opening on April 21, 1965. The photo below is Big Ole at the World’s Fair in New York, May 1965.
This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama is an elegant and engaging story of obsession, intellect, the struggles of mental illness and family bonding. This is a brilliant show that has gotten tremendous feedback from audiences. It will make you think, make you laugh, and make you feel! After the first weekend of showings, audiences are calling it “”brilliant,” “compelling,” “touching,” “wonderfully acted and staged,” “thought-provoking,” “relevant” and “awesome.”
Twenty-five year old Catherine must establish the authorship of a mathematical proof found in the office of her brilliant but troubled father, Robert. Following his death, she must confront her volatile emotions along with the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire, and a burgeoning romance with Hal, her father’s former student. When all these forces come to a head, Catherine begins to question whether she’s inherited her father’s talent or his madness.
“{PROOF} is a story about the complexities of relationships,” said director Claudia Bursch. “It is about family dynamics: love, trust, misunderstandings around depression and mental illness and how people deal with this heartache, each in their own way.
{PROOF} was written and first produced Off-Broadway in early 2000. It opened on Broadway in the fall of that year, and has played internationally to critical acclaim and praise. In addition to winning both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award, {PROOF} also won the Drama Desk Award for Best New Play, the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play, in addition to Tony Awards for Best Actress and Best Direction.
In 2005, a film adaptation was released starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Catherine, along with Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Adapted by Rebecca Miller, and directed by John Madden (who directed the West End premiere of {PROOF}, also starring Paltrow as Catherine).
{PROOF} has JUST THREE MORE showings April 29 and 30 at 7:30pm, with a Sunday matinee on May 1 at 2:00pm.
Tickets to {PROOF} are just $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors, and can be purchased:
—Online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/956311
—Over the phone at 320-762-8300 (M-F, 11am-5pm)
— In person at 618 Broadway, (M-F, 11am-5pm :: or walk-up before the show) Group rates, especially for academic, literary, and study groups, are available by calling the box office.
{PROOF} is sponsored, in part, by Thornton Law Office: Thornton, Reif, Dolan, Bowen & Klecker, P.A.
If you were around from 1974 to 1985, you may remember a legendary snowmobile race in Alexandria called the Dayco Holiday Spectacular. It started in 1974 by Alexandria native, magazine publisher and Snowmobile Hall of Famer Jim Beilke . At the time most of the snowmobile races were held in Wisconsin, Michigan, West Yellowstone, Canada and many parts of the east coast. Since Minnesota is home to two of the biggest snowmobile manufacturers, Jim thought there needed to be a professional snowmobile race here. The Alexandria snowmobile race tradition began on December 28th 1974, and the legacy began!
In 1985 the annual races came to an end, and the winter race track at the Douglas County Fairgrounds remained frozen in time for decades.…until now! The snowmobile races in Alexandria, MN are back after a 30 year hiatus for its third straight year! Don’t miss the tradition and excitement in Alexandria on January 29th and 30th during The Winter Spectacular at the Viking Speedway’s High Flyin’ Half Mile!
The action has been described as “watching jet fighters in a gymnasium”, as you can see in the video below from the 2015 event. Most of the racers get to speeds around 100 mph! That will definitely get your blood pumping! There is a covered grandstand to watch all the action, plus there will be a HEATED Beer Garden and Vendor area with food and refreshments!
The Winter Spectacular has a long history of fond memories and excitement. We are happy to welcome back the tradition for its third year after the hiatus. Make sure to check out The Winter Spectacular website for information on race classes, driver profiles and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc2URpDivjY
From great Holiday Season events to fun outdoor Winter Activities, there are hundreds of great ways to enjoy the Holiday Season this winter in Alexandria! Our website’s Winter Guide will help you plan some fun activities, but here is a list of 15 Holiday Season celebrations and events in Alexandria, MN! Find more information on our Events Calendar.
The Holiday Season really ramps up the day after Thanksgiving with the Runestone Museum‘s Christmas at the Fort and Lighting Ceremony. If you missed the festivities this year, don’t sweat! It’s only the beginning of the season and the lights on Broadway are shining bright! Stroll through a festive Downtown atmosphere while gazing at the beautiful window displays in the stores. On top of having unique local businesses to shop for everyone on your Christmas list, the lights and decorations Downtown will certainly add some cheer to everyone who experiences it.
Alexandria Area Arts is excited to present a Viking-era adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Hamlet, September 11-13, 2015, at the Alexandria Area Arts Theatre in historic downtown Alexandria. This adaptation sets the Hamlet tale almost 600 years earlier than Shakespeare’s time, in the height of the Viking civilization.
“It is certainly a unique setting for Hamlet,” said Benjamin Klipfel, Executive Director of Alexandria Area Arts and the production’s producer. “We see Hamlet set in a variety of times from modern to World War II, but this version goes back to the era of the Vikings, and the era of ancestry for much of our region.”
While this adaptation is unique, the story of Hamlet is an important part of Scandinavian folklore. In fact, the Danish legend of Amleth is the folk story that Shakespeare used when he created Hamlet. Both stories deal with themes of moral corruption, revenge, morality, and appearance versus perception. In Hamlet, the King of Denmark is dead and has been succeeded by his brother, Claudius, who has married Gertrude, the widowed queen. Hamlet, Gertrude’s son and the Prince of Denmark, is already distressed by his father’s death and the hasty remarriage; when his father’s ghost appears to tell him that he was murdered by his own brother, Hamlet vows revenge.
What follows is a tale of feigned madness and an intricate plot to expose the corruption of Claudius, now king, at any cost – even the cost of Hamlet’s life.
Though the Shakespeare tale is known to most, this adaptation has made cultural changes to more closely align with Viking society. Most noticeable to audiences will be the use of female warriors and members of the royal court. Shakespeare’s script only includes 2 women, Queen Gertrude, and Ophelia, who is promised in marriage to Hamlet. However, in the Viking-era, women were not kept from the rank of warriors and there is significant archeological and historical evidence of Viking-era female warriors and shield-maidens, which will be evident in this production.
The costumes, skillfully and meticulously created by regional artisans and crafters, are also authentic to the height of Viking civilization and will be noticeably different than most people expect when seeing Shakespeare. In addition, regional crafters have worked to create the swords, armor, shields and set items to be authentic to the time period, and pieces of art in their own right. The set even includes a keel and stempost from a replica Viking longboat created several years ago by the Science Museum of Minnesota. The production has also taken on a more fast-paced delivery style and has a runtime of around 2 hours (significantly shorter than typical Hamlet productions). As a classic tragedy, the play contains treachery and sword fights, and several characters do perish. However, the production is considered one of the best written plays in the English language and is suitable for all ages of audience. Audiences of any age will be able to recognize many common phrases and words that Shakespeare invented for this tale, including “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” “Brevity is the soul of wit,” “Method to the madness,” “Woe is me,” and the most famous lines from the play, “What a piece of work is man,” and “To be or not to be.”
About the Adaptation
18 months ago, Director Sharon Thalmann and theatre artist Philip Goellner conceived a version of Hamlet that more closely touched on the ancestry of our region and one that would include a variety of artistic disciplines, from weavers and spinners, to quilters, to sword-smiths and metal workers. Over the course of several months, and several re-writes, Goellner blended the cultures of the Viking-era Amleth and Shakespeare’s Hamlet into one story that draws upon the Scandinavian ancestry of the region. Several heritage artists and crafters around the region were brought together to plan and design authentic costumes, props and weaponry while the script was being informally workshopped. Beginning in January 2015, Professor Mark Rosenwinkel, MFA, chair of theatre at Concordia St. Paul, began holding workshops and master classes with area actors and audience members on Shakespeare, the language, and on acting. These workshops and classes were open to audience members, actors, and the community at large. In addition, Twin Cities based fight and battle choreographer Tom Ringberg hosted fight-choreography training classes, and began working with cast members on the fatal sword fight that ends the play, which includes the breaking of an actor’s arm onstage. The production also hosted a Viking Encampment at this year’s Art in the Park which featured crafts, costuming and apparel, and weapon and fight demonstration.
“It’s been an incredible and exciting journey,” said production director Sharon Thalmann. “It’s been amazing to collaborate with artists from various disciplines, to bring new life to this timeless story and too see our actors and designers thrive with challenging material.”
Hamlet: A Viking Adaptation features a regional cast including:
Hamlet- Philip Goellner
Claudius- Pete Woit
Gertrude- Jamie Sandberg
Ophelia- Leah Drexler
Horatio- Randy Martin
Polonius- Kevin Lee
Laertes- Joe Johnson
Rosencrantz- Scott Giannone
Guildenstern- Chuck Grussing
Ghost/Player King- Allen Alvig
Marcellus- Dedra Zwieg
Barnardo- Carolyn Giannone
Gravedigger/Court Member- Kirk Landman
Francisco/Player- Daniel Roers
Player Queen/Shieldmaiden- Deb Long
Court Member/Player-Katelyn Niemeyer
Player/Warrior- Tyler Carlson
Player/Warrior- James Reisinger
Monk/Warrior- Mike Roers
Lady in Waiting- Claudia Bursch
Lady in Waiting- Rachel Barduson
Warrior- John Thalmann
Shieldmaiden- Christy Meier
Hamlet: A Viking Adaptation, was adapted by Philip Goellner from the play The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare and is directed by Sharon Thalmann. Christy Meier is the assistant director and John Thalmann is the set designer. Quincy Roers designed lights and sound. Costumes were designed by Mark Paulson and Deb Long, and the costume team included several regional artisans, including Leila Mikkelson Preston (Weavings), Karen Obermiller (Knittings), and Yvonne Hanley, Hannah Wagner, Matti Wangerin and Audrey Jensen (Costume Construction). Deb Long designed hair and makeup. Professor Mark Rosenwinkel was the Shakespeare Consultant and Tom Ringberg provided the fight choreography. Props and set decorations were designed by John Thalmann and Sharon Thalmann.
Hamlet: A Viking Adaptation has showings September 11 and 12 at 7:30pm with a Sunday matinee on September 13 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors and $10 for children 10 and under. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in person (cash, check, card) or over the phone (card) Monday – Friday from 11am to 5pm at the AAAA Box Office (618 Broadway Street) at 320-762-8300. The box office will also be open 1 hour before each performance for walk up tickets. There is a group rate available for parties of 10 or more.
Hamlet: A Viking Adaptation is sponsored by the Scandinavian Gift Shop in Alexandria.
Sneak Peak and Performances for School Groups Scheduled
Audiences can get a sneak peak of the Hamlet production Wednesday, September 9, at the Runestone Museum in Alexandria. The sneak peak will feature 30 minutes of selected scenes from the production as well as an opportunity for question and answer, and to see the authentic costumes and weaponry up close. The performance will take place in the courtyard of Fort Alexandria and only costs $3, which includes admission to the museum’s exhibits featuring many Viking artifacts, including a replica ship and the new Viking portrait. Sneak Peak attendees will also get a coupon for discounted admission to the full performance.
A special performance for school groups is also scheduled for Thursday, September 10, at 9:30am. For more information on the school group performances, contact the Box Office at 320-762-8300.
Hamlet: A Viking Adaptation is a unique cultural story that is one part Shakespeare, one part Game of Thrones, with a splash of the History Channel’s Vikings. Experience this new take on an old tale, almost 1,000 years in the making. Hamlet is a presentation of Alexandria Area Arts Association and was conceived, created, and cast with local and regional talent. For more information, contact Alexandria Area Arts at 320-762-8300 or online at alexandriaareaarts.org.
It’s not everyday that Alexandria has completely original locally produced, performed and composed art. Here is your chance to experience Berlin – Faded Memories:
The Alexandria Area Arts and Lakes Area Radio Theatre are excited to present a new radio theatre event, Berlin-Faded Memories. This cold-war era drama is a semi-autobiographical telling of Karl Zimmer’s time serving in the U.S. Army in 1958, and a mission he was asked to complete. A mission, that according to the U.S. Army, never happened. Berlin-Faded Memories is written by Alexandria native Bob Sievers (whose experiences in East Berlin serve as the basis for the story) and features an original score composed by Spencer Brand, also of Alexandria, who received a grant to complete the composition.
Berlin-Faded Memories will be performed live, on-stage with a live orchestra, Saturday May 16 (Armed Forces Day) at 7:00pm at the AAAA Theatre and is a fundraiser for the Alexandria Area Arts Association. Berlin-Faded Memories is directed by Mike Roers and features the voice talents of David Christman, Alex Shockley, Benjamin Klipfel, Kent Garlinghouse, Kip Sundlee, Gary Lund and Scott Giannone. Hilary Ninman is providing sound effects. Spencer Brand is the composer and will conduct the orchestra. Tickets are just $5 and are available at the door.
Playwright Bob Sievers wrote the story as an opportunity to tell about a six month period of his time in the U.S. Army – a story he hasn’t told until now. During the writing process, local music student Spencer Brand read the script and wanted to create a classical score to accompany the story, and over the past several months has worked to create Berlin-Faded Memories.
“This is a unique and interesting story, full of mystery and intrigue,” said Benjamin Klipfel, Executive Director of the AAAA. “It is even more interesting that the story is auto-biographical and features a brand new, original score. It’s rare that community theatres have the opportunity to present and promote original, locally created art.”
Tickets for Berlin-Faded Memories are available at the door for $5.00. All proceeds benefit the Alexandria Area Arts Association. For more information, contact the AAAA Box Office at 320-762-8300.
Playwright’s Notes: Bob Sievers on Berlin-Faded Memories
First, we have an 80-year-old Alexandrian who wrote a radio play about some of his time in the Army. Big deal ! Then something very unusual happened. A friend … a 19-year-old friend and neighbor read the play . He then stated that he wanted to write an original musical score … a classical musical score … to support the play. Unheard of ! But almost a year later, here we are … and here you are.
This is my story. It’s a story about six months I spent in Berlin. You see, I was in the Army when I was married in December of 1957, and right afterward, in early 1958 I was transferred to Berlin. At almost the same time Nikita Kruschev was appointed Soviet Primier. He didn’t like the way Berlin had been divided up after the war, and he started making a lot of noise about how he was going to change things. The Allied Forces put all of Berlin on high alert. That meant no dependents were allowed to come into the city. That alert lasted for about six months.
My wife joined me at the end of July. We spent a marvelous year-and-a-half in Berlin, living off base with a German family and traveling all over Europe. All my family and friends know all about those times and trips.
BUT, I‘ve never told anybody about those six months I spent in Berlin alone before my wife joined me. No one. I didn’t want to talk about it, and nobody really asked. I didn’t even talk to my wife about it then, and I haven’t talked about it for more than 50 years.
My younger son, Tim, will be in the audience. He’ll tell you that he’s heard hundreds of stories and seen countless pictures and movies of his mother and I together in Berlin, but nothing about that six months of 1958.
Now it’s time.
Time to tell my story.
Let’s go back to 1958.
Back to 1958 Berlin.
Back to Faded Memories.