Minnetonka Theatre is excited to partner with local playwright Christine Sonnek to present Land of the White Foreheads, its entry into the Minnesota State High School League’s One Act Competition.

For this production, Sonnek will serve as Artist-in-Residence and collaborate with the students and staff of Minnetonka Theatre to adapt her original full-length play Land of the White Foreheads into a 35-minute competition one-act. The show is based on the true story of Sonnek’s time growing up in small-town South Dakota in the 1980’s. 

During her residency, Sonnek will work directly with students on script development, storytelling, and revision, while also attending rehearsals to provide professional feedback on their performances. 

Minnetonka Theatre Artistic Director Trent Boyum shared, “We’re thrilled to offer students an authentic, hands-on experience in the creative process, strengthening their writing and performance skills, while connecting them with a working artist from our community - resulting in a meaningful, student-driven production that reflects (through the lens of the 1980’s!) their own voices and lived experiences.”

Minnetonka Theatre will present a free public performance of Land of the White Foreheads on Thursday, January 29 at 7:00 pm at the Arts Center on 7, followed by a talk back with the playwright, director, cast and crew.

About Land of the White Foreheads
Land of the White Foreheads, written by Christine Sonnek, is an entertaining and satirical comedy that takes a look at the real-life town of Lemmon, South Dakota - circa 1986. The play features a small ensemble of actors who portray all the eccentric characters in this rural farming community.

Hilarious scenes include: the teenage good-old boys and girls hot rodding down the main drag on Saturday night, the older ladies in town spreading gossip through their land-line phones, the wedding of high school sweethearts Luke and Amy, and a touching funeral lead by Old Preacher Hubert and Crazy Chester. Plus, sidesplitting instructions from Wilma Wizbeck on how to survive life in a small town.

Through quick costume changes and sharp dialogue, the show humorously exposes the quirky nature of small-town traditions. With its fast-paced humor and heartfelt observations, Land of the White Foreheads offers an amusing commentary on Midwest culture and the colorful personalities that make it so unique.

Free general seating; no tickets or reservations required.