50 Years of Community Theatre: New Minowa Players Celebrates with Gala

The fire, the vote, the triumph — when it happens, Decorah News shows up. Support us being there. DECORAH — New Minowa Players (NMP) celebrated 50 years of live community theatre Saturday evening at a packed gala and silent auction fundraiser held in Luther College's Peace Dining Room. The event, which had approximately 185 attendees, honored the theatre's humble beginnings and those involved with the organization from the very start, with awards presented to: Lindy Borske-Hubbard Sue & Paul Bruvold Donalee Burns Kim Glock Bette & David Greedy Dave Judisch Lynne Kephart Shirley Ludeking Helen Schmidt The event also featured musical performances from past shows by current NMP performers: "Luck Be A Lady" from Guys and Dolls, performed by Dave Judisch "Major General's Song (Modern Major General)" from The Pirates of Penzance, performed by Jonathon Struve "Anything You Can Do" from Annie Get Your Gun, performed by Jeni & Lillie Grouws "Whatever Happened to My Part" from Spamalot, performed by Karen Esterl "Lily's Eyes" from The Secret Garden, performed by Matt Spencer & Rick Scheffert "Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, performed by Gabe Twedt "Follow Your Heart" from Urinetown, performed by Sarah Brandt & Alexander Rosenow "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from Les Miserables, performed by Aaron Kvale The evening also featured classic instrumental selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein, performed by local musicians: pianist Mike Ellingsen, flutist Melissa Bills and cellist Craig Hultgren. The auction raised $8,500 for the theater. NMP Board President Gabe Twedt reflected on the evening: "The New Minowa Players Gala this weekend was truly a celebration of everything community theater is all about. We had unforgettable performances, incredible generosity and people coming together from all over to support the arts," he said. "We were blown away by the sense of connection in the room, the thoughtful donations for the silent auction and the willingness of our community to give so generously to our organization." Twedt thanked the 50th Anniversary Gala committee, led by Committee Chair Mette Hammer, saying, "Their hard work and dedication made the entire evening possible. Although we have been 'creating community since 1975,' we look forward to doing the same for many more years to come." Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.