Red Barn Theatre

Name: Red Barn Theatre
Address: 2247 22nd Street, Rice Lake, WI, 54868, US
Telephone: (715) 234-8301
Price range: $
Rating: 5

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Rice Lake, WI
Red Barn Theatre

Home of the Hardscrabble Players! It's natural that grass roots theatre should flourish here, nurtured in a community where the arts are loved. I Do!
(19)

The Place

-The Red Barn Theatre at the junction of State Highway 48 and County Trunk M is visible evidence of the things that country folks treasure ---enterprise, cooperation, hard work, and native talent. From the time she first gathered a few actors around her to perform in St. Joseph's school gym in Rice Lake in 1961 until they moved into the barn in 1967, the Red Barn Theatre was

only a gleam in the eye of the director, Nina KIauss, mother of five with a background of professional training and experience. People responding to her invitation to form an amateur theatre group caught her enthusiasm and voted to form a non-profit corporation. The state charter was granted on 24 May 1962 for The Hardscrabble Players, Inc. An appeal for a place toe perform caught the fancy of Cap Hagen Hardscrabble ski hill owner, who allowed the Players to perform there rent-free for four summers, while the search was on for just the right barn. In 1966, the players performed in the Rice Lake High School auditorium. That was the year that Mrs. Klauss discovered the sturdy but faded little barn, nestled in the hillside beside a grove of pine. From the beginning the barn was a hit, as much as were the plays. Descendants of the builder have told of the homesteading of the property in about 1864. The first barn was made of logs, which was replaced by the present structure in 1904. To celebrate the barn raising on 4 July 1904, there was a dance on the new floor...the little barn's first public entertainment. When the Players moved into the barn it had been idle for about twenty years. The first necessity was a new floor and stage in the loft, built in 1967. In 1968 the concrete stable floor was removed and a new slab poured, followed by remodeling to divide the space into storage, dressing rooms, restrooms and lounge areas. The silo was converted into a stairway leading from the theatre to the lounge. Other improvements included a tiered floor for the audience, a succession of used theatre seats, a ticket office, and a light and sound booth. In 1973 a large pole-type building was built against the north wall to provide space for work on sets, storage, wardrobe and additional dressing areas. The lounge boasts of a concession stand and space for display of art by local artists. In 1978 a patio was added beyond the porch, and in both 1977 and 1978 landscaping was completed. The interior of the lounge was remodeled in 1988, and in 1992 a second remodeling was undertaken to refurbish the exposed south wall of the lounge. During the 1999 season a "red shed" for set construction, storage and rehearsals was built to the northeast of the Barn. More extensive landscaping was undertaken in 2002. The People

-While one's attention goes initially to the structure, a theatre is, first of all, people---the ones who desire dramatic art in the community, the ones who want to perform, the support staff of backstage workers, and the management to assure the theatre's continuation. Talent abounds and arrives from every walk of life and every age. Professionals share the stage with students, farmers, housewives, clerks, teachers, artists, and musicians. Summer people plan their vacations to attend or participate in Red Barn productions. Production

-The financial support of the theatre comes principally from the income of the plays. Also, in many recent years the Red Barn Theatre has been honored to receive grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board. Low ticket prices are made possible by the free work of actors and by the countless hours provided by behind-the-scenes volunteers. Honors

-In 1977 the Players realized a long-cherished intention: awarding scholarships to those with talent, ambition, and a record of service to the Red Barn. Following the director's death, the scholarship was renamed in her honor as the Nina Klauss Memorial Scholarship. Each year outstanding performers and one non-performer are awarded the "Barney" award. Appreciation

-The Hardscrabble Players are proud of the Red Barn Theatre, which is the result of the combined work and care of the company and the community. The Players appreciate and welcome friends and visitors as they strive to serve the cultural interests of a wide geographic area. Past Productions

Hardscrabble Ski Chalet

1962 Under the Yum Yum Tree

1963 Dirty Work at the Crossroads

Blithe Spirit

Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick

1964 Harvey

Night of January 16

1965 Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker

Abie's Irish Rose

Rice Lake High School

1966 Charley's Aunt

Everybody Loves Opal

Red Barn Theatre

1967 The Tavern

A Majority of One

Everybody Loves Opal

1968 But Not Goodbye

Teahouse of the August Moon

The Odd Couple

1969 The Madwoman of Chaillot

Lillies of the Field

U T B U

The Star Spangled Girl

1970 Arsenic and Old Lace

Three Men on a Horse

Breath of Spring

Come Blow Your Horn

1971 Don't Drink the Water

Never Too Late

The Hasty Heart

The Solid Gold Cadillac

1972 Everybody's Girl

Dumbbell People/Barbell World

Teahouse of the August Moon

Send Me No Flowers

1973 Ten Nights in a Barroom

Best Laid Plans

Cactus Flower

Blithe Spirit

1974 Showboat

Daddy, Dear Daddy

Born Yesterday

A Majority of One

1975 Harvey

See How They Run

Witness for the Prosecution

1976 Guys and Dolls

God's Favorite

Breath of Spring

The Sunshine boys

Sleuth

1977 Come Blow Your Horn

Inside Lester

The Rainmaker

Night Must Fall

The Good Doctor

1978 Li'l Abner

The Biggest Thief in Town

Busybody

Three Goats and a Blanket

Private Ear/Public Eye

1979 Treasure Island

Under Papa's Picture

Prisoner of Second Avenue

The Seven Year Itch

The Moon is Blue

1980 The Hasty Heart

Barefoot in the Park

Where's Charley

Catch Me If You Can

Bell, Book, and Candle

1981 U T B U

The Matchmaker

Exit the Body

Angel Street

Last of the Red Hot Lovers

1982 The Boyfriend

Everybody Loves Opal

Curious Savage

Plaza Suite

The Gin Game

1983 How to Succeed in Business

The Man in a Dog Suit

Laura

The Robin Hood Caper

Star Spangled Girl

1984 Teahouse of the August Moon

Deathtrap

God's Favorite

A Thousand Clowns

A Gentleman and a Scoundrel

1985 I Do! Play it Again, Sam

Bus Stop

Whodunnit

Tailey's Folly

1986 Mary, Mary

Oklahoma! Goodbye Charlie

On Golden Pond

Mass Appeal

1987 I Ought to be in Pictures

The Fantastics

Picnic

The Foreigner

Same Time, Next Year

1988 Barefoot in the Park

The Murder Room

The Robber Bridegroom

Romantic Comedy

The Owl and The Pussycat

1989 Blithe Spirit

The Nerd

Little Shop of Horrors

The Mousetrap

Educating Rita

1990 Steel Magnolias

The Boys Next Door

Pippin

Foxfire

Chapter Two

1991 Brighton Beach Memoirs

West Side Story

The Glass Menagerie

Sly Flox

Elephant Man

Greater Tuna

Dracula

1992 Lend Me a Tenor

The Crucible

Biloxi Blues

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

A Chorus Line

The Silver Whistle

1993 Rumors (at UW-BC)

Ondine

Broadway Bound

All My Sons

Into the Woods

Arsenic and Old Lace

1994 Love Letters (Dinner Theatre)

Lost in Yonkers

Scapino

A Streetcar Named Desire

Fiddler on the Roof

The Cemetery Club

1995 Greater Tuna (Dinner Theatre)

No S*x Please, We're British

A Midsummer Night's Dream

The Secret Garden

The Grapes of Wrath

Crimes of the Heart

1996 Father of the Bride

Taming of the Shrew

Nunsense

Co**se! Diary of Anne Frank

1997 Importance of Being Earnest

Grease! Marvin's Room

Pump Boys and Dinettes

Tribute

1998 Bridge to Terabithia

Crossing Delancey

Camelot

Charley's Aunt

Bus Stop

1999 Annie

Plaza Suite

Smoke on the Mountain

Wait Until Dark

Pools Paradise

2000 You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Inherit the Wind

Forever Plaid

The Sound of Music

Morning's at Seven

2001 Bye Bye Birdie

Look Homeward, Angel

Steel Magnolias

Gypsy

It Runs in the Family

2002 Home Fires

A Few Good Men

Busybody

Cinderella

Moon Over Buffalo

2003 Ten Little Indians

I Remember Mama

Do Black Paten Leather...? Minnie's Boys

Caught in the Net

2004 My Fair Lady

Proof

The Taffetas

Sylvia

Bang Bang Beirut

2005 God's Favorite

Once Upon a Mattress

Camping with Henry and Tom

I Do! Flaming Idiots

2006 Dearly Departed

Sweet Charity

All I Really Need to Know...

An Act of the Imagination

Funny Money

2007 Weekend Comedy

The King and I

Barefoot in the Park

Picasso at the Lapin Agile

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

2008 Radio Gals

Escanaba in Love

Over the River

Oliver

Tom, Dick and Harry

2009 Daddy's Girl

Music Man

Born Yesterday

Mid Life! The Crisis Musical

Aladin

2010 Never Kiss a Naughty Nanny

Ramona Quimby

Mame

Golf the Musical

Greeting!

2011 Amorous Ambassedor

Chicago

Leaving Iowa

On Golden Pond

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

12/14/2023

While we are waiting in anticipation to announce the 2024 RBT Season and auditions, save the date!!! Our Red Barn family and friends will have an opportunity to reflect on the past 2023 season during the annual Barney Awards Banquet!!

The Barneys will be held Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 at Lehman’s Supper Club in Rice Lake. Social hour begins at 6 pm with awards and dinner to follow at 7 pm. The cost is $22. Barney Award nominations will be announced soon, but until then, mark those calendars and plan on an evening of fun! Hope to see you there!

12/12/2023

Good news Red Barn friends! Season ticket certificates are now available for purchase—just in time for Christmas! We are in the process of finalizing the 2024 season and will also have an announcement on that in the near future! Until then, you can find season tickets at the following locations:

-In Rice Lake at: Baribeau Implement, Dairy State Bank, Johnson Bank on Cenex Drive, Saged Beauty and Healing House, and at the Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce
-In Chetek at: Ohde Pharmacy
-In Cumberland at: Cumberland Federal Bank
-In Spooner at: Spooner Outlet

You can also order via phone by calling 715-234-8897.

Season Ticket Price is $78 00. Single Admission is $20.

10/04/2023

Hi folks! Our friend Jill Stearns will be out at the Red Barn this Saturday morning (Oct. 7) at 9 a.m. to go through some costumes. She would love to have some additional help, if anyone can make it and provide assistance! Thanks, in advance, for the consideration!

09/22/2023

Now that we've had some time to decompress from the 2023 Red Barn Season, our Reading/Selection Committee will soon be meeting to put together a proposal for the 2024 RBT season.

We're always interested in hearing what our friends would like to see on our stage, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to let us know! There's a lot that goes into consideration when choosing shows, so we aren't making any promises--but just maybe one of your suggestions will be taken up by the committee!

09/20/2023

So many wonderful memories from the 2023 season! To all of our friends, we say “Thank You!” We are so grateful for our Red Barn family: audiences, actors, directors, behind-the-scenes staff, supporters and everyone else in between! Without your love and support, this beautiful place wouldn’t be the same!

Next year will be full of even more memories and stories! We can’t wait to see you again soon!

Please share any favorite memories from this season below! We’d love to hear them!

09/13/2023

Calling all Red Barn Friends!! We're planning our annual fall clean-up session at the Barn this week: Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9:00 a.m. to noon--or whatever time you can swing by! Even an hour helps. We'd love to get a bunch of people there to help out. Grab a friend and come join us!

08/28/2023

Have you checked out the antics at "Forbidden Broadway," yet? The final show of the Red Barn's 2023 season is in its last week! This is certainly a musical r***e that will have you looking at your favorite Broadway showtunes in a completely new light!!

"Forbidden Broadway's Greatest Hits" runs through Saturday, Sept. 2, with curtain time at 7:30 pm. Single admission tickets are $20. Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com

The Red Barn is located at 2247 22nd Street which is northeast of Rice Lake, WI at the junction of Highway 48 and County Trunk M

08/23/2023

Happy Opening Night to the cast and crew of “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits!!!” Break a leg!!

Have you gotten your tickets yet to this hilarious musical r***e? Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or going online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com! The show runs tonight through Sept. 2!

Can't wait to see you there!! What a fun way to end the 2023 Red Barn Season!

08/21/2023

We are just a couple days away from the opening of “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits!” This satirical take on some of your favorite Broadway numbers is sure to make for a fun evening of entertainment! What a great way to end the 2023 season!! Here are some recent rehearsal photos!

“Forbidden Broadway” opens Aug. 23 and runs through September 2 with curtain time each evening at 7:30 pm. There is no Sunday performance. Single admission tickets are $20. Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com

The Red Barn is located at 2247 22nd Street which is northeast of Rice Lake, WI at the junction of Highway 48 and County Trunk M.

08/16/2023

We are a week away from the final show of the 2023 RBT Season!! Opening August 23 for a 10-night run is the popular hit musical comedy r***e, Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits. Artistic directors Chris Hopkins-Hile and Jeff Hile of Cumberland and musical director Rachel Elbin of Cameron have assembled a multi-talented cast who are guaranteed to get you humming, tapping your toes, and laughing simultaneously. The brainchild of Gerald Alessandrin, this show parodies some of theatre’s greatest songs, stars, and songwriters. Among the shows audiences will hear music from are Fiddler on the Roof, Mama Mia, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Les Miserables, Spamalot, Annie, Rent, Hairspray, Cats, Chicago, and more.

Although each Hardscrabble Player portrays multiple roles throughout the production, each actor has their own particular favorite. Paul Chase (Rice Lake) is enjoying playing The Phantom; Sheila Shaffer (Shell Lake) Ethel Merman; Emma Marek (Chetek) the Ventriloquist Dummy; Rachel Westberg (Chetek) A Cat; Brandon Brown (Rice Lake) Jean Val Jean; Shannon Brown (Rice Lake) Elphaba; and Beth Halverson (Barron) Liza Minnelli.

The art of the talented Hiles will be showcased in the Red Barn Gallery. Their work can also be viewed at the Dancing Bird Studio in Cumberland.

This final show of the Red Barn’s 2023 season runs through September 2 with curtain time each evening at 7:30 pm. There is no Sunday performance. Single admission tickets are $20. Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com

The Red Barn is located at 2247 22nd Street which is northeast of Rice Lake, WI at the junction of Highway 48 and County Trunk M.

08/07/2023

The Wild Women of Winedale,” the Red Barn Theatre’s current production, continues to entertain audiences with the antics and witticisms of F***y, Jef and Willa. The show runs through August 12 with curtain time at 7:30 pm.

Single admission tickets are $20. Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com

The Red Barn is located at 2247 22nd Street which is northeast of Rice Lake, WI at the junction of Highway 48 and County Trunk M

08/02/2023

Happy Opening Night to the cast and crew of “The Wild Women of Winedale!” Break a leg!!

Have you gotten your tickets yet to this wonderful comedy? Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or going online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com! The show runs tonight through Aug. 12!

Can't wait to see you there!!

07/26/2023

We are just a week away from what is sure to be a Wild Time on the Red Barn Stage as the Hardscrabble Players prepare for our next production, “The Wild Women of Winedale”

Coming to the Red Barn Theatre August 2 is “The Wild Women of Winedale,” another hit comedy by RBT favorite playwrights Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. The show runs through August 12 with no performance on Sunday. Red Barn veteran, Terry Wiesner, directs a cast of accomplished actresses in this touching, funny, and quirky story of two sisters and one sister-in-law who collide at a crossroads in life while decluttering their lives.

Sheila Shaffer of Shell Lake plays the role of F***y Wild Cantrelle. Jill Stearns of Rice Lake takes another bow on the Barn stage this season as Willa Wild, and Mary Hankins of Rice Lake returns to the stage as Johnnie Fay “Jef” Wild. Also from Rice Lake, Cindy Lammers capably handles two roles, Doreen Whitman and Glenda Bates. And finally, demonstrating her considerable acting chops is Ella Jansen, of Turtle Lake, who deftly takes on multiple supporting roles as Betty Dunlap, Flo Hudson, Nora Griffin, and Edith Macklin.

Featured in the Red Barn Gallery is the unique work of Sarah Fredrikson who uses techniques of needle felting to create two-dimensional art from roving wool.

Curtain time for Red Barn plays is 7:30 pm. Single admission tickets are $20. Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com

The Red Barn is located at 2247 22nd Street which is northeast of Rice Lake, WI at the junction of Highway 48 and County Trunk M.

07/17/2023

It’s an evening of fun for Red Barn audiences with plenty of mystery during the current production of "Curtains" You still have the rest of the week to catch this lovely musical!! It runs through July 22, with curtain at 7:30 p.m.!

Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or going online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com!! Can’t wait for you to join us!!

07/13/2023

During the run of CURTAINS, the Red Barn gallery will feature the oil paintings of Don Ruedy and the photography of Linda Ruedy. Be sure to stop in and take a look!!!

07/12/2023

Happy Opening Night to the cast and crew of “Curtains!” Break a leg!!

Have you gotten your tickets yet to this wonderful musical? Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or going online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com! The show runs tonight through July 22!

Can't wait to see you there!!

07/10/2023

Mystery, music and many laughs explode on the Red Barn stage from July 12-July 22 with the Tony-nominated musical comedy, “Curtains.” A collaboration of Rupert Holms, John Kandor, Fred Ebb and Peter Stones, this crowd-pleaser will take audiences on a hilarious journey. Local detective, Lieutenant Frank Cioffi (played by Ben Heer of Rice Lake) investigates the mysterious death of the leading lady on stage on opening night!

Artistic director and choreographer Cathy Jones Wolf, along with music direction from John Dutmer of Chetek, bring additional talented cast members together for this witty and charming romp.

Red Barn gallery coordinator, Patsy Vork, is pleased to announce that oil paintings by Don Ruedy and framed photographs by Linda Ruedy will be the featured art for this show. The work of the Ruedys is also at the Dancing Bird Studio in Cumberland.

Curtain time for Red Barn plays is 7:30 p.m. There is no performance on Sunday. Single admission tickets are $20. Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com.

The Red Barn is located at 2247 22nd Street which is northeast of Rice Lake, WI at the junction of Highway 48 and CTH M.

Can't wait to see you there!!

07/03/2023

Ever wonder what a Red Barn quick-change might look like backstage, and how a cast member changes costumes so fast? Here’s a short peek at one of those changes during “It Runs in the Family!”

06/27/2023

Driftwood is the featured medium in the work of Joe Stuntz, the artist in the Red Barn Gallery during the run of “It Runs in the Family.” Area residents may have seen his whimsical fish and mobiles at the Dancing Bird Studio in Cumberland. Be sure and check it out!!

06/26/2023

Early reviews are in!! It’s a wild and crazy evening for Red Barn audiences with plenty of laughs and mayhem during the current production of “It Runs in the Family.” You still have the rest of the week to catch this zany show! It runs through July 1, with curtain at 7:30 p.m.!

Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or going online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com!! Can’t wait for you to join us!!

06/21/2023

Another Opening, Another Show!!!! Happy Opening Night to the cast and crew of "It Runs in the Family" by Ray Cooney! Break a leg!!

Have you gotten your tickets yet to this uproariously zany farce!? Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or going online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com! The show runs tonight through July 1, with no show on Sunday, June 25!

Can't wait to see you there!!

06/14/2023

We are just a week away from what might be one of the zaniest shows the Red Barn has done!

Ray Cooney’s wild farce, “It Runs in the Family,” will entertain Red Barn audiences June 21-July 1. Get ready for mistaken identities, crazies, and lots of comings and goings! Terry Wiesner, assisted by Gail Gifford, directs a true community theatre of actors from multiple surrounding towns. Carl Liden of Barron portrays Dr. David Mortimore who frantically fends off a paternity suit, an ex-wife, punkish offspring and other kooks in order to deliver a lecture at an international conference. Also coming from Barron to appear on the RBT stage is Beth Halverson portraying Matron. Representing Rice Lake are Jake Donze as Dr. Hubert Bonney, Brandon Brown as Sergeant, Boyd Stearns as Bill, Carson Donze as Leslie, Jill Stearns as Sister, Ami Hakari as Sir Willow Drake, and Casey Peckham as Mother. Tommy Youston of Cumberland is Dr. Mark Connolly, Ella Jansen of Turtle Lake plays Jane Tate and Rachel Westberg of Chetek is Rosemary Mortimore.

Driftwood is the featured medium in the work of Joe Stuntz, the artist in the Gallery for this second show. Area residents may have seen his whimsical fish and mobiles at the Dancing Bird Studio in Cumberland.

The Red Barn Theatre is located at 2247 22nd St, Rice Lake, WI which is northeast of Rice Lake at the junction of Highway 48 and County Trunk M. Single admission tickets are $20. All shows begin at 7:30 pm (with no show on Sunday). Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or going online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com

06/10/2023

Just a couple more chances to catch “The Lilies of the Field” before the curtain closes Saturday!! Have you seen it yet!!??

05/31/2023

It has finally arrived!!!! Happy Opening Night to the cast and crew of “The Lilies of the Field!”Break a leg! Let the 2023 Red Barn Season begin!!

05/31/2023

The Red Barn Theatre's 2023 summer season opens this week, Wednesday, May 31, with the touching drama, “The Lilies of the Field.”

Pictured here, Sister Albertine (Elliana Bayer) and diner owner Jose Gonzales (Rick Snyder) listen as Father Gomez (Bob Rogers) encourages successful businessman Orville Livingston (Jeff Martin) to donate bricks for the new chapel, the dream of Mother Superior Maria Marthe. Mike Kelly, Julie Bever, Carry Gray, Cindy Hussong and Connie Olson are also part of the cast. This season’s first offering runs through Sat, June 10 (with no show on Sunday).

The Red Barn Theatre is located northeast of Rice Lake, WI at the junction of Highway 48 and County Trunk M. All shows begin at 7:30 pm. Single-admission tickets are $20. Season tickets include all 5 shows at a cost of $78.00. They are available in Chetek from Ohde Pharmacy; in Rice Lake from Dairy State Bank, Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce, and Baribeau Implement; in Cumberland from Cumberland Federal Bank; in Spooner from Spooner Outlet. Season tickets may also be obtained by sending a check to Red Barn Theatre, 824 N Wisconsin Ave, Rice Lake, WI 54868. Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com.

Can't wait to see you there!

05/30/2023

The Red Barn Theatre has an exciting opportunity for young people who want to work in theatre! We are in search of ushers and concession workers for our 2023 season!

We have five shows over the summer months, each a ten-night run, starting May 31st-September 2nd. You can sign up and work the nights that work with your schedule. Hours are approximately 6:30 pm- 9:00 pm depending on the length of the play.

Duties: Greet and seat patrons, work at the concession counter before and during intermission, clean up and count money after intermission. Employees get paid at the end of the season from the concession profits. The more nights you work, the more you get paid.

If interested call 715-234-8301 and leave your name and number. We will contact you for more information and any questions you have.

05/19/2023

Calling all Red Barn Friends!! We're planning two spring clean-up sessions at the Barn in the coming days: Saturday, May 20, from 9 am - 12 pm AND Monday, May 22, from 5-7 pm. We'd love to get a bunch of people there to help out. Grab a friend and come join us!

05/16/2023

We are just a couple of weeks away from the opening of the 2023 Red Barn Season!!

“The Lilies of the Field” opens the Red Barn Theatre’s 62nd season on Wednesday, May 31 and runs through June 10. Based on the 1962 novel by William E. Barrett and adapted to stage by F. Andrew Leslie, this is the touching and warmly humorous story of Homer Smith, a recently discharged army soldier, and 5 East German nuns whom he befriends in the dry dusty American southwest countryside. The 1963 film version won international acclaim and starred Sidney Poitier.

Rick Snyder directs a talented cast of new to the Barn actors and several veteran RBT actors. Leading the cast as Homer is Mike Kelly of Rice Lake. Also from Rice Lake is Julie Bever as Sister Gertrude. Carry Gray (Highbridge) is Sister Elizabeth and Cindy Hussong (Mason) is Sister Agnes. From Chetek is Elliana Bayer as Sister Albertine, Jeff Martin as Orville Livingston, Bob Rogers as Father Gomez, and Connie Olson as Mother Maria Marthe. Rick Snyder of Weyerhaeuser rounds out the cast as Jose Gonzalez.

The art of Rice Lake elementary students will be showcased in the theatre gallery. Their teachers are Melissa Drost and Karla Grenier.

The Red Barn Theatre is located northeast of Rice Lake, WI at the junction of Highway 48 and County Trunk M. All shows begin at 7:30 pm. There are no shows on Sundays.

Single admission tickets are $20. Season tickets include all 5 shows at a cost of $78.00. They are available in Chetek from Ohde Pharmacy; in Rice Lake from Dairy State Bank, Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce, and Baribeau Implement; in Cumberland from Cumberland Federal Bank; in Spooner from Spooner Outlet. Season tickets may also be obtained by sending a check to Red Barn Theatre, 824 N Wisconsin Ave, Rice Lake, WI 54868. Reservations may be made by calling 715-234-8301 or online at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com.

Can't wait to see you this summer at The Barn!!

05/08/2023

Calling all Red Barn Friends!! We're planning two spring clean-up sessions at the Barn later this month: Saturday, May 20, from 9 am - 12 pm AND Monday, May 22, from 5-7 pm. We'd love to get a bunch of people there to help out. Grab a friend and come join us!

02/07/2023

Are you ready!!?? Auditions for the 2023 Red Barn Theatre Season are almost here! Auditions will be held this Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UW-Eau Claire--Barron County Campus Fine Arts Building in Rice Lake.

Individuals interested in auditioning can fill out an audition form prior to coming on Feb. 11 by downloading the PDF file at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6MxwvyrEQdAIiIYSDjv1ZXOnc8tsCPl/view?usp=share_link

Audition forms will be available at the Fine Arts Center and can be completed when you come to auditions. The PDF form can be filled out digitally and printed or printed out prior to completion. If the audition form is completed prior to auditions, please bring the audition form and a recent photograph (non-returnable) to the auditions.

If auditioning for "Curtains" (musical), vocal ranges will be determined on an individual basis and a brief excerpt of a song from the show will be taught and performed in small groups or individually. There also may be brief scene readings from the script.
For those who wish to audition for "Forbidden Broadway" (musical), the directors ask that auditionees prepare a short musical selection from the show. Musical selections from the show for male and female voices can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12pJxQy41VkCh75cym1TeeNZbTq4zOV9P?usp=share_link

For those who want to audition for the 2023 season, but can’t attend auditions on February 11, we have good news: you can still complete the online form and send to Red Barn Theatre, 824 N Wisconsin Ave, Rice Lake, WI 54868 or just call the Business Manager at 715-234-8897 and leave their name and phone number. You can also email a completed form to [email protected]!

See you Saturday!!

02/03/2023

The fifth and final show of the 2023 Red Barn season will be "Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits.” This musical r***e will take place August 23-September 2.

From the synopsis: " In this long-running Off-Broadway hit musical r***e, Broadway’s greatest musical legends meet Broadway’s greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of the theatre’s greatest stars and songwriters."

The show has a flexible cast. Auditions for the Red Barn season will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 in Rice Lake at the Fine Arts Building at the UW-Eau Claire/Barron County Campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

02/02/2023

The fourth show of the 2023 Red Barn season will be "The Wild Women of Winedale." This light-hearted comedy will take place Aug. 2-12.

From the synopsis: "This joyful and exuberant, yet ultimately touching, comedy focuses on three women at crossroads in their lives—the Wild sisters of Winedale, Virginia—F***y and Willa and their frustratingly quirky sister-in-law Johnnie Faye. This feisty and fun-loving trio has supported and cheered one another through life’s highs and lows through the years, including the early demise of two of their husbands. And they really need each other now, as F***y experiences a hilariously inappropriate reaction to her 60th birthday, while Willa is so stressed out from her nursing job she resorts to vodka and speed-knitting to cope, and Johnnie Faye, determined to put her year of fraught widowhood behind her, desperately tries to find a man—preferably a man with a house, since hers is somewhere at the bottom of a Florida sinkhole. These women’s lives are further upended by the responsibility of caring for their free-spirited, ailing aunt and the realization that they are drowning under loads of family keepsakes and possessions nobody wants—especially them! With equal doses of hilarity and heart, these extraordinary women come up with delightful and surprisingly unorthodox ways to clear the clutter from their lives, their homes and their relationships so they can move their lives forward. Together they prove it’s never too late to take another one of life’s paths for a grand new adventure. This Jones Hope Wooten comedy is guaranteed to drive you wild with laughter—and motivate you to keep hounding the kids to please take that stack of quilts and Granny’s Christmas china!"

The show will require at least 5 females with some doubling/flexibility possible. Auditions for the Red Barn season will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 in Rice Lake at the Fine Arts Building at the UW-Eau Claire/Barron County Campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

02/01/2023

The third show of the 2023 Red Barn season will be "Curtains." This musical who-done-it comedy will take place July 12-22.

From the synopsis: "It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies on stage the entire cast and crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan! Packed with glorious tunes and a witty, charming script filled with delightful characters, CURTAINS is a hilarious journey for both performers and the audience. The Broadway production garnered 8 nominations at the 2007 Tony Awards® including Best Musical."

The show has 5 female and 8 male featured roles, with a flexible ensemble cast. Auditions for the Red Barn season will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 in Rice Lake at the Fine Arts Building at the UW-Eau Claire/Barron County Campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

01/31/2023

The second play from the 2023 Red Barn season will be Ray Cooney's "It Runs in the Family." This crazy farce will take place June 21-July 1.

From the synopsis: "Set in a hospital, It Runs in the Family contains the usual assortment of farcical nuts running in and out of doors mistaking everybody for someone else, as Dr. Mortimore tries to fend off a paternity suit, an ex-wife, a punkish daughter and various other lunatics so that he may, at last, deliver the Ponsonby Lecture in an international conference."

The show requires 7 males and five females. Auditions for the Red Barn season will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 in Rice Lake at the Fine Arts Building at the UW-Eau Claire/Barron County Campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

01/30/2023

We wanted to take a few moments to introduce you to the shows for the Red Barn's 2023 season! The first show is "Lilies of the Field" by F. Andrew Leslie, from the novel by William E. Barrett.

"Lilies of the Field" will take place May 31-June 10 . From the play synopsis:

"Having decided to travel about the country after his discharge from the army, Homer Smith has fixed up a bed in the back of his station wagon and headed west, his plan being to stop for a day’s work here and there as the spirit moves him. Rolling through a parched valley in the remote Southwest he encounters a group of nuns working in the dusty fields, and his offer to help them for hire is quickly accepted. His job is to fix a leaky roof, but when the time comes to discuss payment the rather imperious Mother Superior seems to understand even less English than usual. Although he has every intention of insisting on his pay and moving on, Homer stays for supper, and then another day, and another. Almost without realizing it he is drawn into the life of the nuns—giving them English lessons, buying food for their table, driving them to Mass, singing to them in the evenings and, most important, coming to share the dream of building the chapel which is Mother Maria Marthe’s fondest hope. But the project proves to be a burdensome and discouraging one and as the weeks wear on Homer, with no bricks, no pay and no real hope for success, loses heart and resolves to go. He leaves, but just as Mother Maria Marthe is convinced that God sent Homer to her in the first place, so does she know in her heart that he will return—and he does. With the help of the local farmers and the gift of many adobe bricks, the chapel becomes a reality and Homer, despite his staunch Baptist background, is invited to sit in the front pew for the first Mass to be said in it. But his work is done, faith has earned its reward, and he is free to go—this time for good. Yet even as he heads off into the quiet night the meaning of what he has accomplished begins to flourish and grow, creating a legend which, in time, brings fame and success to the nuns and instills in their hearts a lasting gratitude for the simple man who saw their need and gave unselfishly of himself to meet it."

The show requires 4 men and 5 women. Auditions for the Red Barn season will take place Feb. 11 in Rice Lake at the Fine Arts Building at the UW-Eau Claire/Barron County Campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

01/27/2023

For those who want to audition for the 2023 season, but can’t attend auditions on February 11, we have good news: you can still complete the online form and send to Red Barn Theatre, 824 N Wisconsin Ave, Rice Lake, WI 54868 or just call the Business Manager at 715-234-8897 and leave their name and phone number. You can also email a completed form to [email protected]

The online form can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6MxwvyrEQdAIiIYSDjv1ZXOnc8tsCPl/view?usp=drivesdk

01/26/2023

Auditions are fast approaching for the 2023 Red Barn Theatre Season! They will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UW-Eau Claire--Barron County Campus Fine Arts Building in Rice Lake.

Individuals interested in auditioning can fill out an audition form prior to coming on Feb. 11 by downloading the PDF file at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6MxwvyrEQdAIiIYSDjv1ZXOnc8tsCPl/view?usp=drivesdk

Audition forms will be available at the Fine Arts Center and can be completed when you come to auditions. The PDF form can be filled out digitally and printed or printed out prior to completion. If the audition form is completed prior to auditions, please bring the audition form and a recent photograph (non-returnable) to the auditions.

If auditioning for "Curtains" (musical), vocal ranges will be determined on an individual basis and a brief excerpt of a song from the show will be taught and performed in small groups or individually. There also may be brief scene readings from the script.

For those who wish to audition for "Forbidden Broadway" (musical), the directors ask that auditionees prepare a short musical selection from the show. Musical selections from the show for male and female voices can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12pJxQy41VkCh75cym1TeeNZbTq4zOV9P?usp=shar

01/16/2023

On Friday, January 6, 2023, the Red Barn Theatre named Alaina Tomesh the winner of the Red Barn Theatre’s 2022 Nina Klauss Memorial Scholarship. The award recognizes Alaina for her involvement with the Red Barn Theatre. Alaina, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, has been a dedicated volunteer and worker at the Red Barn Theatre over the past ten years. Alaina’s involvement with the Red Barn Theatre includes onstage work as a performer and in customer service as a greeter, usher, and server at the concession counter. Alaina, a 2021 graduate of Rice Lake High School, is pictured with Cathy Jones Wolf, a member of the Red Barn Theatre Board of Directors.

01/14/2023

Plans for the 2023 Red Barn Season are underway, and we are excited to announce the line-up for what is sure to be a fantastic summer!!

Lilies of the Field (Drama), May 31-June 10
It Runs in the Family (Comedy), June 21-July 1
Curtains (Musical), July 12-22
The Wild Women of Winedale (Comedy), Aug. 2-12
Forbidden Broadway (Musical R***e) Aug. 21-Sept. 2

We will share more information about each show in the coming weeks, but for now, we wanted to give everyone a sneak-peak at what’s in store!

Auditions for the summer shows will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UW-Eau Claire--Barron County Campus Fine Arts Building in Rice Lake. Can't wait to see you there! We'll have more details as we get closer to the date!

Address

2247 22nd Street
Rice Lake, WI
54868

Telephone

(715) 234-8301

Website

http://www.redbarntheatre-ricelake.com/

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