Cast Announced for DON't HUG ME at Hill Country Community Theater

The Hill Country Community Theatre and executive director Mike Rademaekers announce casting for the hilarious musical comedy Don't Hug Me. Don't Hug Me is a love story (with singin' and stuff) set in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota, in a little bar called The Bunyan, owned by Clara and Gunner Johnson.

Gunner Johnson (Seth Smith) is a cantankerous bar owner who wants to move to Florida. Clara (Kay Baker) wants to stay and continue to ride the prestige of being a former Winter Carnival Bunyan Bay Queen. The pretty bar waitress, Bernice Lundstrom (Mandi Whittlesey), wants to pursue a singing career. Her fiance, Kanute Gunderson (Kyle Hirning), wants her to stay home. It's a battle of wills. When fast-talking salesman Aarvid Gisselsen (Jonathan Kroese) promises to bring romance into their lives through the magic of karaoke, all heck breaks loose.

The karaoke machine features the musical stylings of world-famous Sven Yorgensen, whose hits include "I'm a Walleye Woman in a Crappie Town," "My Smorgasbord of Love," "The Bunyan Yodel," "I Wanna Go to the Mall of America," "Upside Down in my Pickup Truck" and "The Ice House Blues."

The book and lyrics are by Phil Olson, with music by Paul Olson. The director is Mike Rademaekers, the vocal director is Mandi Whittlesey, Laura Gisi is the choreographer, the production stage manager is Holden Fox, and the stage manager is Finnigan Fischer.

Don't Hug Me will open on September 15 and run through the 25th. Performances will be on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PMand Sunday matinees at 2:15 PM. Tickets will go on sale September 8 for the general public. Season subscribers may make reservations beginning September 5.