Original One Act 2025 Recap
2025 Original One-Act Showcase Recap
This year’s Original One-Act Showcase brought together an unforgettable mix of humor, heartache, and discovery. Each story, in its own way, reminded us just how unpredictable life can be. One moment, a simple romantic gesture spiraled into a wild obsession with social media perfection. Another night, two teens found themselves lingering under the stars, changing their lives in ways they never saw coming. A family’s long-held secrets unraveled, and even from beyond the grave, one woman learned she still couldn’t control her own story, even after death.
Beneath the laughter and all the unexpected twists, the showcase offered something deeper, a mirror to the world we live in today. We’re more connected than ever, yet somehow more isolated. We document our lives in photos and videos but struggle to stay truly present. We dig into the past, sometimes with pride, sometimes with regret, and always with the knowledge that today will be tomorrow’s history.
At Theatre du Mississippi, we believe in the power of theatre to spark reflection, connection, and change. We’re committed to lifting up new voices, writers, directors, and performers, and giving them a space to grow. This year’s showcase wasn’t just a performance. It was a reminder that theatre is alive, evolving, and driven by new ideas.
Thank you for joining us at this year’s Original One Acts!
Now we share the program, photographs, and reviews from audience members.
“At the most recent show, I tested out the audio assistance device. I have severe hearing loss and have resigned myself to hearing only about 25% of the dialogue. At this show, i could hear 80-90%”
– Carew Halleck
This production takes a lot of effort from a large number of people. Thank you to those who have helped us over these past few months to make this production possible!
Bob Stuber, Jess Eggers, Peggy Sannerud, Winona State University, Chapter 2 Bookstore, Daryl Lanz,
and all of those who wished to remain in the shadows!
#Proposal
written by Jim and Jane Jeffries
directed by Michael Opiola
Cynthia Knouft as Lenni Anderson
Sean Krage as Craig Wilson
Em Shepardson as Cam
Evelyn Lorenz as Mika
Lacey Korb as Jessica
Playwrighting Note: B Sharp
Director Note: When I was approached to direct a show for Theatre du Mississippi, my decision was initially met with some trepidation. It would be my first time directing a show, and I had agreed to direct two prior shows that I backed out of because of “life” and frankly – cold feet. This was different. It would be a short show. I was given two different scripts to read, and after hearing the synopsis of each, was sure which I would choose. I was wrong. After reading half of the first page of “#proposal”, I knew which it would be and was confident that I could pull it off. As someone who is critical of social media, and rarely partakes, this was right up my alley. I was fortunate to have an amazing, talented group of actors who made it extremely enjoyable and look forward to doing it again in the future!
Special Thank You for this play: Jen Gebhart, thank you so much (you know what you did). Brian Knouft and the cast and director for all your help with the props and set. And Bob Stuber!
One Summer Night
written by Christopher G. Smith
directed by Brittany Clipsham
Charlie Lund as Bruce
Evelyn Smith as Laura
Playwright Note: There are moments in our lives when our world shifts. But we often don’t see them as they happen. The transition between a high school definition of who we are and the uncertainty of who we will become can begin on one summer night.
Director Note: I knew after the first time reading this play during the competition, that I was going to put my name in to direct if it won a spot. One Summer Night by Christopher G. Smith is a heart warming slice of life short play following two high schoolers, Laura and Bruce, on a seemingly normal summer night. It was very fun to bring this play to life on stage with the actors. They really latched onto the characters and sought to bring even more depth to both Laura and Bruce.
Just like Bruce is hidden away in the cemetery at the top of the show, the characters have hidden thoughts and motivations that end up clashing and melding in such a human way. While Bruce wants to hold on to his childhood and his memories with his friend Mick, he can’t help but feel pulled away from the drama. Laura knows exactly what should happen on a perfect first date, but somehow finds herself with a stranger in a cemetery while her date is somewhere in the woods.
Special Thank You for this play: To everyone who worked on this production with me, including of course, the fantastic actors Evelyn & Charlie, and stage managers, Riker and Elizabeth. Carrie Sharp for assistance with the set creation!
The Yellow Dress
written and directed by
Kathleen Kenney Peterson
Cynthia Knouft as Carla
Leslie Albers as Marian
Lucy Severson as Helene’s Ghost
Playwright Note: The deeply held French animosity towards Germans goes back many centuries before WW2. The French term ‘Boche’ – used in the play – became common during the First World War; it roughly translates to “cabbage head.” Many French people were angry that their country had put up little resistance when Nazi Germany invaded in 1940. This led to widespread, fierce groups of citizen “resistance” fighters.
Family misunderstandings can have long, long shadows. A relative’s family history was my spark and I wanted to explore how deep divides can be unexpectedly healed when ultimate truths are revealed.
I’d like to thank Theatre du Mississippi for giving me the singular opportunity of directing my own play – which has been deeply enriching both artistically and personally. HUGE thanks to my AWESOME cast – who really are like family.
Kathleen Kenney Peterson is a published novelist and playwright based in Winona MN. Her parents were both writers and imprinted on her early in life a deep love for British writers and British television, from Shakespeare to Christie to Wodehouse! She’s had several plays produced by Theatre du Mississippi and is grateful to have TdM in our community.
Production Note: Language shapes how we understand history. In this play, “German soldiers” is used instead of “Nazis” to reflect how people at the time, especially resistance fighters, would have described their oppressors. While there was discussion between board members and the playwright as to whether or not we used the term “Nazi,” the playwright made a deliberate choice to prioritize historical accuracy. In 1944–45, people under occupation saw the immediate threat as the German military, regardless of individual soldiers’ ideological beliefs.
This choice extends to the granddaughter’s dialogue as well. While a modern character might instinctively call them “Nazis,” her use of “German soldiers” challenges the audience to consider how history is remembered and retold. The words we choose to describe events shape how we respond to them, both then and now.
Special Thank You for this play: In “The Yellow Dress” the “Second Waltz” by Shostakovich is played by accordionist Greg Peterson, musician with the band Patina.
Wesley United Methodist Church for allowing us to rehearse in your space!
Ten Minute Intermission
Midwestern Goodbyes
written by Charly Sparks
directed by Jaye Clarke
Rae Peter as Sloane
Carrie Travis as Mom (Lois)
Vic Davis as Bennett
Jonathan Roberts as Max
Content Acknowledgement: Play includes coarse language and loss of loved ones.
Playwright Note: Upon reading Midwestern Goodbyes, many people get stuck on the aspect of loss that is prevalent throughout. However, loss is easy. I mean, obviously it’s not an easy thing to deal with, but we don’t really have to work for loss. It’s something that just happens, whether we want it to or not. No amount of human intervention will stop it from happening. Letting go, on the other hand, is one of the hardest things we have to do and is what this play is ultimately about. Letting go of past mistakes, fear, our own insecurities, expectations that have been placed upon us by our families, society, and even ourselves — making the decision to let go is the ultimate challenge and it is truly the only way that we can achieve all the joys the world has to offer, even in the face of great loss. I encourage you all to make that decision for yourselves so that you may never have to mourn the loss of what might have been.
This show was written at a very scary and vulnerable time in my life. While I was writing it, I was facing a lot of life changes and situations I had never experienced before, leading me to have a lot of emotions that needed exploring. This script is the culmination of my hopes, dreams, deepest fears, and greatest accomplishments. While the act of writing the script was incredibly cathartic, I am hopeful that being able to share this story with the world will bring comfort to even a few scared, confused, and angry people out there.
After studying at AMDA Los Angeles, Charly continued her educational journey in Madison, WI for Arts Management. Her fondest theater memories include HAIR at both Titusville Playhouse (Tribe) and Theatre South Playhouse (Jeanie), She Kills Monsters at The Forst Inn (Agnes), Rock of Ages at MATC (Dennis), and writing/performing/music directing an original cabaret at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC. She thanks her boyfriend, her mother, and her playwriting mentor Karen for their support.
Director Note: Good health is one of the greatest gifts, but unfortunately not everyone is blessed with it. Navigating the healthcare system in our country is a daunting challenge, especially now in these uncertain times. Funding crucial research is being threatened, prescription and care costs are astronomical, and all in the wealthiest country on the planet that just does not seem to care about the welfare of its citizens. Tragically, not everyone makes it out alive, no matter how hard they may try.
Our playwright gave us an amazing script to work on, and the actors worked hard to bring this show to life. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard on this production. It’s been a great experience. A special shout-out to Kara, our Production Manager, for everything they’ve done for us as a whole to get this production up and running. The actors and I hope you enjoy this show as much as we do. Grab a tissue, and enjoy the show!
Special Thank You for this play: Paul and Peggy Sannerud. Wesley United Methodist Church for allowing us to rehearse in your space! And all of those who wished to remain in the shadows!
Behind The Scenes Production Crew
Kara Eggers as Season Manager, Lighting & Sound Designer
Riker Weiler as Production Stage Manager & Run Crew Manager
Elizabeth Scott as Production Stage Manager & Sound Board Operator
Thank You for Supporting
Theatre du Mississippi
Theatre du Mississippi thrives because of our incredible community—audiences, artists, and supporters like you. As a nonprofit theatre, we depend on the generosity of individuals and businesses who believe in the power of storytelling to connect, challenge, and inspire.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and donors who make it possible for us to create meaningful, accessible theatre right here in Winona. Your support allows us to pay artists and technicians, keep ticket prices affordable, and bring underrepresented voices to the stage.
Want to help sustain local theatre? Join us as a recurring donor! Even a small monthly gift makes a big impact, supporting us so we can continue to produce thought-provoking work and support artists in our community.
Visit theatredumiss.org to set up your donation today. Together, we can keep theatre thriving in Winona!
Thank you for being part of our story.
— Theatre du Mississippi
Board Members: Rae Peter, Jonathan Roberts, Sarah Roberts, Lacey Korb, Andrea Gurrero, Raven Adank, Molly Miller, Gina Cherny