Musical comedy about ice fishing comes to the Ross Center

Published 12:00 pm Thursday, February 13, 2014

Jason Howland, left, and Mike Compton laugh at a joke. The two locals play the Marvin and Lloyd, two buddies who love to ice fish. — Tiffany Krupke/Albert Lea Tribune

Two ice-fishing buddies sing about ice fishing in the freezing cold in the Albert Lea Community Theatre play “Guys on Ice.”

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. today at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. The show runs until Feb. 22.

Brian Mattson plays Ernie, an ice fisherman who likes to mooch off of others in “Guys on Ice.” — Tiffany Krupke/Albert Lea Tribune

“Guys on Ice” is a musical comedy that tells the story of two ice-fishing buddies from Wisconsin who talk and sing about life, love and the one that got away. The show features the songs “De Wishing Hole,” “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit”and “Fish is de Miracle Food.”

“It has been really fun,” director Jerry Girton said. “It is a really funny show, and I think the audience will really be able to relate.”

The 90-minute show features locals Mike Compton, Jason Howland and Brian Mattson. Girton directed and Lora Virgil provided musical direction.

Girton has enjoyed directing the play, which features live music. Rehearsals began in January but were slowed due to weather conditions.

Girton said the cast has had fun with the show. Howland, a Minnesota Vikings fan, played Marvin, who is a hard-core Green Bay Packers fan.

“That was really out of character for him,” Girton said. “We had fun with it, though.”

The show features serious musical numbers like singing about the beauty of a frozen lake.

The musical comedy begins tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students.

Tickets are available at 1-877-730-3144, www.actonbroadway.com or at the box office. Tickets are also available at the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Tickets, please

What: “Guys on Ice”

When: 7:30 p.m. Feb 13-15, 2 p.m. Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19-22

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

How much: $18 for adults, $10 for students

Cast

Lloyd: Mike Compton of Austin

Marvin, Jason Howland, sings about what will happen after he makes it big during a dress rehearsal of “Guys on Ice.” — Tiffany Krupke/Albert Lea Tribune

Marvin: Jason Howland of Albert Lea

Ernie: Brian Mattson of Albert Lea

Crew

Director: Jerry Girton

Music director: Lora Virgil

Set designer/builder: Steve Kinney

Lighting designer: Dietrich Poppen

Stage manager: Kris Bartley

Production manager: Kathy Brekke

Costume/props: Kristan Dye, Raquel Hellman

Sound/light board operator: Crystal Schatz

Assistant stage manager: Palmer Godlewski

Videographer: Dan Borland

Box office manager: Sue Tripp

Assisted by: Neil and Barb Lang

Box office volunteers: Sue Tripp, Mary Ellen Johnson, Carol Frydenlund, ShirleyEnderson, Marlys Broberg, Karen Olsen, June Etienne, Jane Buege, Jan Zehnder, Joann Schwartz, Donna Widenhoefer, Cindy Fjermestad and Arline Richter

Playbill editors: Jason Howland and Tony Segura

Publicity: Dan Borland, Gayle Brownlow, Jason Howland, Mary Ellen Johnson, Crystal Schatz and Tony Segura

Building manager: Neil Lang