A Note From Andy Meyers, Artistic Director at Fort Peck Summer Theatre

Dear Editor,

Thank you for all your support as we embark on our 53rd season! The start of this summer was undeniably rocky, as we navigated around COVID cases, virtual rehearsals, cancelled flights and missing materials. We are in the final week of tetris for our Rep schedule: rehearsing & building three shows all at once, over a three-week period.

I wanted to address a little hiccup in the branding for our programming: The Complete History of America (abridged), written by the (in)famous trio of comedians known as The Reduced Shakespeare Company, is definitely a little more 'edgy' than the title may imply.

On opening night, we had mixed reviews: I checked in with one large family and the parents said they were prepared for the content having seen it elsewhere and knew the flashy theatrics at FPST would over-shadow any taboo innuendos for their kids. One couple who left at intermission (which is just fine!) thought the script leaned too heavily on perceived offensive political humor, while another local duo said afterwards that they never attend dramas or musicals and are so excited have to a raucous, and at moments irreverent, comedy on the roster this season.

All that to say, I want to promote 'gentle caution' about the production. It is much closer to Saturday Night Live than Schoolhouse Rock or Sesame Street. Three insanely talented actors celebrate, spoof and lovingly 'roast' our nation's history and pop culture poking fun at everyone from George Washington to Madonna, Lewis and Clark to Lucille Ball, through vaudeville inspired sketches, parody songs and yes, some PG-13 humor. Not to mention nearly 100 specially made props and lightning-fast costume changes.

This is exactly why I am proud to be ironing out the kinks and expanding our new rotating show formula. If one show is not your taste, there are other options each weekend: ideally something for everyone!

I sincerely hope anyone who didn't enjoy The Complete History of America (abridged) returns to see other shows this season and can be reminded of the tremendous arts oasis our community supports, full of richly talented local and national artists, despite every show not being everyone's cup of tea.

Thank you for all your support,

Andy Meyers

Artistic Director

Fort Peck Summer Theatre