Don't Hug Me
Musical Comedy
September 20 - October 5, 2024
Book and Lyrics by Phil Olson
Music by Paul Olson
Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Don't Hug Me takes place in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota. It's the coldest day of the year and cantankerous bar owner, Gunner Johnson, wants to sell the business and move to Florida. Clara, his wife and former Winter Carnival Bunyan Queen, wants to stay. Bernice Lundstrom, the pretty waitress, wants to pursue a singing career. Her fiancé, Kanute Gunderson, wants her to stay home. It's a battle of wills, and when a fast-talking salesman, Aarvid Gisselsen, promises to bring romance into their lives through the 'magic' of karaoke, all heck breaks loose!
A Note from the Director...
Don’t Hug Me is a fun filled ride through the complexities of jealousy, squabbles, romance and aging! This delightful gem, with Book and Lyrics by Phil Olson and Music by Paul Olson, has been referred to as, “Fargo meets The Music Man!” What a true observation, surely only a person from Minnesota could create this world! This zany bunch of characters will have your sides hurting in no time. This show will keep you on your toes wondering how on earth everything will end up! Don’t Hug Me is about everyday people facing hardships head on. These folks face everything with a passive aggressive wisecrack and somehow land on their feet. It also poses some interesting queries: Couldn’t we all use a little more romance in our life? If you were offered the opportunity to upgrade your life, would you take a chance?
It has been a pleasure getting to work with this awesome cast and crew! We have all worked hard to bring you an entertaining show. Thank you to everyone that has been involved in making sure we bring this quirky show to the stage. We hope you’re ready to laugh and escape into the Bunyan Bar for a couple hours! Please spread the word about us, we want to fill this place every show. Thank YOU for supporting live theater, here in Hillsboro!
- TJ Bird, Interim Artistic Director/Company & Production Manager
Cast Bios
Teresa Ross (Clara Johnson)
Rebecca Lea Evans (Bernice Lundstrom)
Teresa Ross (Clara Johnson)
Teresa is in her third season at Myers Dinner Theater. Previous roles include: Jack’s Mother in INTO THE WOODS, Stepmother in CINDERELLA, Esther in TWO BY TWO and Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. She has served as music director at this theater and Danville Light Opera. Teresa earned music education degrees from Indiana University (B.M/E.) and
Teresa is in her third season at Myers Dinner Theater. Previous roles include: Jack’s Mother in INTO THE WOODS, Stepmother in CINDERELLA, Esther in TWO BY TWO and Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. She has served as music director at this theater and Danville Light Opera. Teresa earned music education degrees from Indiana University (B.M/E.) and Indiana State University (M.M.E.). Retired from teaching music and drama in Indiana and Illinois, Teresa teaches private music lessons, writes songs and devotionals, and volunteers at the horse camp at Hanging Rock Christian Camp. Teresa sends special love to her children, Brandon and Amber.
Don Hart (Gunner Johnson)
Rebecca Lea Evans (Bernice Lundstrom)
Teresa Ross (Clara Johnson)
Don is ecstatic that you are here as part of this 2024 world-wide exclusive production! Let’s enjoy this together! Don was last seen being pulled offstage by the just-proposed-to Esther Simowitz in BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO as Harvey Feldman. Other favorite roles include Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Eddie in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES,
Don is ecstatic that you are here as part of this 2024 world-wide exclusive production! Let’s enjoy this together! Don was last seen being pulled offstage by the just-proposed-to Esther Simowitz in BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO as Harvey Feldman. Other favorite roles include Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Eddie in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, Mark Twain in TWAIN’S TALE OF TOM AND HUCK, Sam Ferguson in HEART TO HEARTLAND and Noah in both musicals, THE ARK and TWO BY TWO. Thank you for supporting live theater here in Hillsboro!
Rebecca Lea Evans (Bernice Lundstrom)
Rebecca Lea Evans (Bernice Lundstrom)
Rebecca Lea Evans (Bernice Lundstrom)
Rebecca is thrilled to be in Hillsboro and back on the MDT stage! So far this season, she was seen in 9 TO 5 and NUNSENSE II. Audiences may also remember her past performances as Marty in GREASE, Truvy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Leah in TWO BY TWO and appearances in WHITE CHRISTMAS and DOUBLEWIDE, TEXAS. Other favorite roles include Doris Walke
Rebecca is thrilled to be in Hillsboro and back on the MDT stage! So far this season, she was seen in 9 TO 5 and NUNSENSE II. Audiences may also remember her past performances as Marty in GREASE, Truvy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Leah in TWO BY TWO and appearances in WHITE CHRISTMAS and DOUBLEWIDE, TEXAS. Other favorite roles include Doris Walker in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, Doralee in 9 TO 5, Widow Corney in OLIVER!, and Deb in ELF. As a graduate of Ball State University, she received her degree in Vocal Performance where she performed several opera classics. Much love to all her supporters!
Nathaniel Wright (Aarivd Gisselsen)
Henry Allan (Kanute Gunderson)
Rebecca Lea Evans (Bernice Lundstrom)
Nathaniel is from Sunnyvale California and graduated with a B.F.A in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory. Some of his favorite productions he's done have been THE CHRISTMAS CANDY CAPER as Elwood Gooberling, JOSIAH FOR PRESIDENT as Bart and Juror 12 in 12 ANGRY MEN. He wants to thank his family for their endless support and love.
Henry Allan (Kanute Gunderson)
Henry Allan (Kanute Gunderson)
Henry Allan (Kanute Gunderson)
Henry is delighted to return here to Myers Dinner Theatre! Henry is an actor, composer, director, and a writer in the Chicagoland area. Some favorite credits are Dewey Finn in SCHOOL OF ROCK, Jon in TICK, TICK…BOOM!, and Henry in KARAOKE CHRISTMAS. He keeps himself busy between jobs hunched over his piano and computer writing musicals. He
Henry is delighted to return here to Myers Dinner Theatre! Henry is an actor, composer, director, and a writer in the Chicagoland area. Some favorite credits are Dewey Finn in SCHOOL OF ROCK, Jon in TICK, TICK…BOOM!, and Henry in KARAOKE CHRISTMAS. He keeps himself busy between jobs hunched over his piano and computer writing musicals. He thanks this spectacular cast and crew, and, as always, his friends and family for their constant support of his passion. Enjoy the show!
Staff Bios
TJ Bird (Director, Light & Sound Design)
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
TJ Bird (Director, Light & Sound Design)
TJ is from Decatur, IN, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s in Voice Performance. Some career highlights are that they toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre, performed six seasons with the Round Barn Theatre at the former Amish Acres, and have covered many different staff and technical positions throughout their c
TJ is from Decatur, IN, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s in Voice Performance. Some career highlights are that they toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre, performed six seasons with the Round Barn Theatre at the former Amish Acres, and have covered many different staff and technical positions throughout their career. Favorite credits include: Nicely-Nicely Johnson in GUYS AND DOLLS, Eugene in SH-BOOM!, Jesus in GODSPELL, Pap/King in BIG RIVER, Mr. Bumble in OLIVER! and Willard Hewitt in FOOTLOOSE! Thank you to everyone who supports their dreams, and thank YOU for supporting live theater! travisbirdtenor.weebly.com
John Phillips (Music Director)
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
TJ Bird (Director, Light & Sound Design)
John has been performing since the age of 5 when he sang his first solo at his kindergarten graduation. He has been a part of the Indianapolis theatre scene since 1980 and has worked at most of the theaters in town. John is an 18-time Encore Award Winner and was named “Best Actor In A Musical” by the Indianapolis Star for his portrayal of
John has been performing since the age of 5 when he sang his first solo at his kindergarten graduation. He has been a part of the Indianapolis theatre scene since 1980 and has worked at most of the theaters in town. John is an 18-time Encore Award Winner and was named “Best Actor In A Musical” by the Indianapolis Star for his portrayal of Ko-Ko in The Mikado at the Edyvean. He is thrilled to have appeared in the World Premiere of Hairspray in concert with the Indianapolis & Baltimore Symphony Orchestras, starring Tony Award Winner, Beth Leavel, Mickey Dolenz of “The Monkees”, & John Waters, the author of Hairspray.
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
Jessica is from Terre Haute, IN where she lives with her husband, Ethan, and their three cats, Coretta, Beanie Baker, and Refried. Jessica has worked on shows out at Myers Dinner Theatre since 2012. When she isn't working in theatre, she enjoys working with her house plant collection and watching cooking shows with Ethan. She would like t
Jessica is from Terre Haute, IN where she lives with her husband, Ethan, and their three cats, Coretta, Beanie Baker, and Refried. Jessica has worked on shows out at Myers Dinner Theatre since 2012. When she isn't working in theatre, she enjoys working with her house plant collection and watching cooking shows with Ethan. She would like to thank Ethan, her family, and her friends for supporting her dream of pursuing a career in theatre.
Dion Stover (Costumes & Set Design)
Dion Stover (Costumes & Set Design)
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
Dion is a Chicago native with a B.A. in Musical Theatre Performance from Columbia College. Myers audiences may recognize him from Queen of Bingo (Sis) and Into the Woods (Baker). Credits include: Mamma Mia (Harry Bright), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Frank N Furter), Sheer Madness (Tony Whitcomb), Double Wide Texas (Baby) and The Addams
Dion is a Chicago native with a B.A. in Musical Theatre Performance from Columbia College. Myers audiences may recognize him from Queen of Bingo (Sis) and Into the Woods (Baker). Credits include: Mamma Mia (Harry Bright), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Frank N Furter), Sheer Madness (Tony Whitcomb), Double Wide Texas (Baby) and The Addams Family (Mal Beineke). He wishes to thank this hardworking cast and crew for all of their hard work and sharing their talent. Much love to his family, friends and especially, Serge, for all of the love and support.
Linz Doty (Costume Assistant)
Dion Stover (Costumes & Set Design)
Linz Doty (Costume Assistant)
Hoping to keep an asthmatic child of the 60's entertained on the couch, Mom enrolled me in "Craft of the Month". Much to her dismay the result was me repurposing my new tangerine orange swimsuit into a babydoll dress.Since my 1st machine at age 10 sewing is still my happy place. Thanks for all the support from family and friends.