Review: CALENDAR GIRLS at Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre

FMCT's production of Calendar Girls reveals plenty.

The Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre's production of Calendar Girls is such a delight. The play is based on the movie, which in turn was based on true events. I do have to say that I never saw the movie, so I went in with no comparison whatsoever.

This small cast of 6 leads and 7 supporting roles gets to tell the story of a group of women decide to do something very different and pose nude in a calendar to raise money for a local hospital.

This story is heartwarming, sad & funny. The cast does an amazing job in portraying these women and showing the fear of what they going to do. The actresses who portray the leads, including 4 stage veterans and 2 rookies, show true bravery in taking on these roles. I can't even imagine the feeling of de-robing in front of a live audience. I do have to mention that the actresses are strategically covered by props and other actresses but the fact that this is live and anything could happen just raises my level of respect for these ladies.

The 6 leads portrayed by Dawn Gunderson as Chris, Jean Sando as Annie (In her first state production since high school), Tanya Tweets as Cora, Mary Cochran as Jessie, Jeanie Smith-Murphy as Celia and Stephanie Shea as Ruth (in her first EVER stage production), all do an AMAZING job. I do have to give a very special nod to Jean Sando and Stephanie Shea; I truly hope we see both of these talented ladies in future productions.

You still have a few chances to see this show and I highly recommend it.

** Photo Credit: Perry Rust

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best New Musical - Top 3

1. The Lost Boys

36.4% of votes

2. Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

24.3% of votes

3. Schmigadoon!

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