Hilltop Dinner Theater

What’s a cat to do? In Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS, Madame’s jealous butler Edgar cat-naps Duchess and her Aristokittens and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. Luckily, Thomas O’Malley and his rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue! The show, based on the Disney film, features plenty of exuberant group numbers and a cast that can be expanded by adding additional alley cats to the chorus. - See more at: http://www.mtishows.com/show_detail.asp?showid=000278#sthash.BehJhybK.dpuf

What’s a cat to do? In Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS, Madame’s jealous butler Edgar cat-naps Duchess and her Aristokittens and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. Luckily, Thomas O’Malley and his rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue! The show, based on the Disney film, features plenty of exuberant group numbers and a cast that can be expanded by adding additional alley cats to the chorus. - See more at: http://www.mtishows.com/show_detail.asp?showid=000278#sthash.BehJhybK.dpuf

On eight Sundays during the year, there’s a little bit of magic in Montgomery, Minnesota.

Early in the afternoon, a two-story brick building with “1892” inscribed near the peak of its roof opens its doors, and the aroma of fresh buttered popcorn beckons from the second story. Music and laughter echo throughout the vintage concert hall as musicians rehearse and patrons begin to stroll in, claiming seats.

Promptly at 4 p.m., the fun begins. Led by proprietor John Grimm, a troupe of performers gathers on stage to join in a lively theme song during which members are introduced. For the next two hours, guests enjoy a diverse mix of music and entertainment ranging from popular standards to concert hall classics; from goofy comedy and colorful costumes to inspirational gospel and harmonic collaborations.

At intermission, fresh  piping-hot pizza from Pizzeria 201 is available for two bucks a slice, served with friendly smiles at “Shannon’s Snack Bar” (the kitchenette at the back of the hall).

The nine regular troupe members hail from Montgomery, Le Sueur, New Prague and Northfield; guest performers occasionally appear as well. The audience, which numbers between 50 and 150, consists mainly of self-proclaimed “groupies” that have made this event a regular ritual. Often, buses arrive from as far away as Belle Plaine, and since the series began in March of 2012, faithful guests have begun to recognize each other and mingle during intermission.

First-time visitors are generally mesmerized by the warm splendor of the hall, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Host John Grimm purchased the building in the early 1990’s “to save a significantly historic building” and “to create a place where local folks could perform.” (Occasionally he’ll treat the crowd to an a cappella vocal solo, sans microphone, to demonstrate the hall’s superior acoustics.)

During restoration, Grimm made every effort to repair or replicate the original architectural details, from the wood floor and lush carpeting to the ceiling mural and antique chandelier. But certain quirky bohemian accents (such as the painting of the “Big Honza” character on  one  stage  wall) suggest that the theater, much like the host, balances excellence with a charming touch of eccentricity!

The ambiance is perfect for this diverse, family-friendly, and time-honored form of entertainment. In any given show, audience responses may range from awed admiration to chuckles, hoots, and the occasional dab of an eye. Some are even inspired to “trip the light fantastic” at the rear of the theater, where local crafters are sometimes invited to sell their wares. As breathtaking talent mixes with lighthearted entertainment against a backdrop of down-to-earth elegance, fans of this event have a sense that they are witnessing something that is both very special and truly “Minnesotan.”

 

Hilltop Happenings

performing Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 4:00 PM

 presented by
Hilltop Dinner Theater

 

at Hilltop Hall
206 First St N
Montgomery, MN

for more information:
www.bighonza.com