Celebrating 16 Years!

2021-2022 Performing Arts SeasonBarry J. Houglum Auditorium

27 2nd Street NW, Ulen, MN 56585218-596-8853 • www.thetophattheatre.com

Top Hat Theatre

Welcome to our exciting 16th season, which includes a variety of great entertainment at an exceptional value! Remember, this is only possible because of the important partnerships within our community — Friends of the Theatre, business sponsors, and the school district. We invite you to enjoy this season and all that it has to offer!

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Barry J. Houglum Auditorium, 27 2nd Street North, in Ulen.

In the event a performance is cancelled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, Top Hat Theatre will make every effort to reschedule the performance. However, we can make no guarantees due to booking schedules of performers. If the weather is questionable, please check Top Hat Theatre’s Facebook page or call 218-596-8262 for a recorded message. You can also sign up on Top Hat Theatre’s website www.thetophattheatre.com to receive direct email message updates.

Season Tickets in PersonSeason tickets are available at the Ulen-Hitterdal School office, Northwestern Bank in Ulen, and State Bank of Lake Park in Hitterdal. Cost is $75 for an individual ticket and $160 for a family (2 adults and 2 students; add $5 for each additional student).

Season Tickets by MailSend check to Ulen-Hitterdal School, PO Box 389, Ulen, MN 56585 (see form on pg. 7). You can either pick up opening night, or pay $2 mailing fee.

Single Performance Tickets($18 adult, $10 student) Tickets are available in the school office, or they may be reserved by calling 218-596-8853 or by email to Therese Vogel attophat@ulenhitterdal.k12.mn.us, and then picked up at the door the night of the show. They may also be ordered by credit card through Top Hat Theatre’s website: www.thetophattheatre.com with no extra fees. Tickets will also be sold at the door unless a performance sells out.

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- A Tribute to The Beatles

On February 9, 1964, America was introduced to a phenomenon that would ultimately change rock-and-roll forever. That group was called The Beatles. Milwaukee’s very own The Britins recreate the era that influenced so many top groups and artists of today.

Join The Britins as they play hits from the Fab Four, from “Love Me Do” to “Let It Be.” Follow along on a Magical Mystery Tour of sights and sounds through that remarkable era of the 1960s, recreated with authentic Beatles gear and costumes. www.thebritins.com

The Britins Saturday, September 18, 2021

Bobby Vandell & Colleen RayeColleen Raye and Midwest Rock and Country Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Vandell combine their talents to bring a show with some of the best country music of all time. With songs heard on PBS’s “Ken Burns: Country Music,” they have the whole package—big talent, charisma, humor and just nice folks. Backed up by world-class country musicians. www.colleenraye.com

Saturday, October 9, 2021- Great Country Music

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Dance Party Reunion is a restaging of Buddy Holly’s 1959 Winter Dance Party, featuring music of Buddy’s co-stars: Richie Valens (“La Bamba”), performed by Allen Malicshli; Dion and the Belmonts (with Brian Pekol singing “Teenager in Love”); The Big Bopper (“Chantilly Lace”), featuring Zach Spicer; and Frankie Sardo (“Fake Out”).

A STELLAR TRIBUTE to the music of American rock & roll icon Buddy Holly, featuring original cast members (Nicholas Freeman, Blake Foster and Zach Spicer) from History Theatre’s IVEY-award-winning production of Buddy! “Buddy Holly: The Buddy Holly Story.” Hosted by Mr. Charles Frazer. Music direction and production by Gary Rue. www.garyrue.com

Buddy Holly &Friends Show Friday, November 5, 2021

Kat Perkins - North Country Christmas

Friday, December 3, 2021Kat Perkins has been dazzling audiences and creating traditions among families and friends across the Upper Midwest with her annual holiday concert for the past five years. Each year brings a fresh take on Christmas classics, and brings Kat’s library of three volumes of A Kat Perkins Christmas to life on stage, including several original songs that are sure to become some of your new favorites! In 2020, Kat and her incredible orchestra are bringing “North Country Christmas,” a brand new show, to Top Hat. You and your family members of all ages can expect a warm-hearted, true country experience, filled with all the joy that the holiday season brings. www.katperkinsmusic.com

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Cantus - My Journey YoursFriday, March 4, 2022Inspired by Elise Witt’s work of the same name, My Journey Yours considers why people leave home – by choice, by necessity, or by force – and how they adapt to their new homeland and remember their old one. Selections will advance themes of yearning and seeking new opportunities, and reflect the uncertainty and desperation that may accompany migration. This engaging men’s vocal ensemble is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music. As one of the nation’s few full-time vocal ensembles, Cantus has grown in prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. www.cantussings.org This activity is made

possible by the voters of Minnesota through

a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a

legislative appropria-tion from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Comedian Tommy Ryman grew up with a new-age, folk-singing mother and a traditional, Lutheran insurance-agent father. This XY equation evidently equals: acclaimed comedian. Ryman has earned the title of Semifinalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” where judges raved about him, saying they “had never seen anything like him, one of a kind, fantastic!”

Ryman’s act can be described as absurdist and clever, masked behind a very likable and innocent demeanor, often thought of as disturbingly adorable. He is a favorite among audiences around the nation, and he is regularly featured on SiriusXM and iheartradio. www.tommyryman.com

Comedian - Tommy RymanSaturday, February 5, 2022

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In 2022, the High 48s will be teaming up with Becky Schlegel, combining their high-energy modern bluegrass sound with Schlegel’s soulful singing and her sophisticated take on three-chords-and-the-truth country songwriting.

High 48s are a band with one foot in tradition and the other in the world of music today, and one of the few who can find an overlooked bluegrass classic in a song by M. Ward or the Clash, then throw down hard on a standard by Bill Monroe. Becky’s music is original, drawing on the influ-ence of classic country, bluegrass, folk, and her own thoughtful spirit. Becky’s incred-ible voice floats, whis-pers, then soars above music of the highest quality. www.thehigh48s.com/becky

Becky Schlegel and the High 48s Friday, May 6, 2022

Check out Top Hat Theatre’s Facebook page throughout the season for updates, performer photos and weather information.

Season Tickets Available Through November 5, 2021Mail Ticket Order Form

______individual season @ $75 each $__________

______family season @ $160 $__________

$2 mailing fee (or pick up at the door) $__________

Total Enclosed $__________

Name ______________________________

Address ______________________________

Phone ______________________________

Email ______________________________

Become a “Friend of the Theatre”An annual contribution is an important way for you to show your support of the arts in our community and to contribute to the experiences that have been close to your heart. Consider making a donation. Please complete the membership form below and return with your donation.

If you or your business or a combination of businesses would like to sponsor a specific show at a higher level, please contact Therese! We would have other business recognition ideas available.

Soloist Chorus Director Producer CorporateBenefits of Membership: $25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$499 $500 & OverTax-Deductible Donation x x x x xName on Plaque x x x xName in Program x x small x largeTwo Single Complimentary Tickets x x xTwo Season Tickets x

Soloist Chorus Director Producer Corporate$25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$499 $500 & Over

Friend of the Theatre2021-2022 Membership Form

Yes, I/we wish to support the Top Hat Theatre.

Name ________________ Address _________________

City________________ State ________ Zip _________

Telephone ______________ Email _________________

How would you like your program listing to read?

______________________________________I/we do not wish to be listed on programs.

Please make checks payable to Ulen-Hitterdal School and mail or drop off to

Ulen-Hitterdal SchoolAttention: Top Hat Theatre

P.O. Box 389Ulen, MN 56585

Thank you for your support!

Please indicate your level of support below. Please check one.

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Non-Profit OrganizationUS PostagePAIDPermit #5 Ulen, MN 56585

P.O. Box 389Ulen, MN 56585

September 18, 2021

The Britins - A Tribute to The Beatles

October 9, 2021

Bobby Vandell & Colleen Raye – Great Country Music

November 5, 2021

Buddy Holly & FriendsDecember 3, 2021

Kat Perkins - North Country Christmas

February 5, 2022

Comedian - Tommy RymanMarch 4, 2022

Cantus - My Journey YoursMay 6, 2022

Becky Schlegel & the High 48s