Faribault, MN – Longtime Faribault Area Community Theater (now Paradise Community Theatre) performer and supporter and also long time performer and member of The Merlin Players, Dan Freeman passed away Monday Evening at the age of 72. Freeman, or known to many as Danny, performed in a number of productions with F.A.C.T and The Merlin Players over the past two decades in the Faribault community as well as area theater companies, Little Theater of Owatonna (LTO) and the Northfield Arts Guild. Danny had battled health issues for some time and his last curtain call came Monday Evening, May 6^th, 2013 at the Northfield Retirement Center.

“Dan is a great man, good friend, and exceptional actor,” said Palmer Huff, Paradise Community Theater Committee Member and Freeman’s Director of “M*A*S*H” at the Paradise Center in 2012. Speaking of his time with Freeman during “Noises Off” at the Little Theater of Owatonna, Chad Kuyper said, “I only had the pleasure of being in one production with Dan, “Noises Off,” but what a wonderful time I had with him. Not only was I blown away by his comedic talent, but his kindness, warmth, and friendliness were truly unforgettable.” Performer for the Paradise Community Theatre and The Merlin Players, Dallas Mussleman had only the kindest of things to say about Freeman. “The iconic Dan Freeman has left us but he is indelibly etched in our memories. Indomitable, encouraging, irreverent, kind, funny, lusty and good.”

In honor of Dan’s work and support of Community Theater throughout the Region, The Paradise Center for the Arts will pay tribute to him in the same time-honored tradition Broadway Theaters have in New York with the Dimming of the Marquee Ceremony. “The simultaneous dimming of all the Broadway marquees in honor of the passing of a prominent theatre professional is one of the more touching and elegant of New York theatre traditions, and perhaps the ultimate recognition that a person has achieved a place in theatre history”, according to Playbill.com. This is a tradition on the Great White Way has been held up for over 100 years.

According to Playbill.com “The ceremony is brief and precise. On a show night just after the deceased has passed, exactly at curtain time—usually 8 PM—the lights of all the Broadway theatres are shut off for a full minute. No announcement is made, aside for a press release, the lights then go up, and the show goes on.”

This Saturday the Paradise Center for the Arts will present Home Free and The Bad Tangerines, both A Capella vocal bands, part of the Paradise’s 2013 KGP Logistic Music Season. In its own fashion of the dimming of the marquee ceremony the Paradise Center’s ceremony will take place immediately following the concert at about 9:45p.m. “It is important that we honor the work and support that Dan gave to not only our immediate theater families, but to this entire community and region.” Said Ryan Heinritz, Executive Director of the Paradise Center for the Arts. “As this is our first dimming ceremony, we will try to be as precise with the timing for those that have come to the ceremony, but please note it will take place as soon as our concert has concluded.”

The Paradise Center for the Arts is located at 321 Central Ave North in downtown Faribault. Arrangements are pending with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. To Learn More about Dan’s Journey visit his Caring Bridge Site. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/freemandan.

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Media Contact
Ryan M. Heinritz
Executive Director
Paradise Center for the Arts
507-332-7372

Here is a snap shot of what you will see on the Silent Auction this Saturday Afternoon.

• Two lower level Gopher Football tickets against Penn State Saturday November 9^th 
• Southern Minnesota Theater Tour Two Tickets to Little Theater of Owatonna, Northfield Arts Guild Theater, Paradise Community Theater, and The Merlin Players
• Original Marv Kaisersatt Caricature Carving
• Two Original Prints from photographer Gary Hoganson
• Two Gopher Hockey Tickets with Parking Passes – GABE TBD in the 13 – 14 season
• Private Clay Class with Diane Lockerby for Four
• Car Wash Every Month for one year from Harry Browns
• Massage Every Month for one year from
• Fresh Floral Arrangement every month for a year
• Large Pizza every month for a year Dine in Only at Boston’s
• A Bag of Fresh Cheese Curds every month for a year from the Cheese Cave
• Two Twins Tickets in the Champions Club (behind home plate with all you can Drink & Eat and with wait staff service)
• Two Hours of Ice Time at Shattuck St. Mary’s
• Old Smoky Package from Lyons Meats
• Dinner and a show, 2 tickets to a Fesler Lampert Series Show at Shattuck and $25 Gif Card to Boston’s
• Another Dinner and a show, 2 tickets to a Fesler Lampert Series Show at Shattuck and $25 Gif Card to Boston’s
• A Season Package to the Fesler Lampert Series at Shattuck St. Mary’s
• Case of Wine and PCA Wine Glasses
• Dye & Wine – Private Silk Scarf dying class with wine for 6
• Private Balcony Rental includes Aps and Wine for 4 for Merlin Players’ “Don’t Hug Me I’m Pregnant”
• Main Street Shopping Tree – Various Gifts and Gift Certificates from downtown main street businesses.
• Wheel barrow of booze
• Whiskey, Whiskey… A bottle of Scotch and A bottle of Whiskey and 8 tumblers
• Private Party in Paradise Center – Great for Birthday’s, Movie Nights, GNOs, Family Reunions
• Christmas in Paradise. Private Balcony Rental with drinks for 10 people At Christmas
• Girls Night Out! 10 Tickets, 10 Glasses of Wine and private Balcony Rental for Wine Women and Comedy, Nov. 9^th at the Paradise Center for the Arts
• A 2014 Paradise Community Theater Season Subscription Package Three Shows TBD
• 2014 Paradise Music  Season Subscription Package shows TBD – 8 shows
• Date Night for the rest of the year… 2 Tickets to see Tribute to Waylon Jennings, Best of Broadway, Rubber Soul – Beatles Tribute, and At Christs at the Paradise Center.
• Private Balcony Rental and Drinks for 8 for Best of Broadway 6/29
• 8 tickets and drinks and Balcony Rental to Paradise Community Theater Dracula
• Dinner and a show – for four Dinner at Agustos and 4 tickets to Miracle on 34th street the musical
• Life of the party – Inflatable Fun – Inflatable Bouncy House
• Six Pack of Tickets to Main Street Mystery Entertainment Crawl on May 18^th
• Private Wine  Cheese Tasting Party for 10 at the Cheese Cave
• Get Gardening. $25 GC from Donahue’s, Pot and gloves and Trowel
• Faribault FUN. Park Shelter Rental, and All Around Pass at Rec Center includes picnic ware
• Make A Splash Aquatic Passes, Beach Bag and Accessories
• Travel Package from ABC Travel includes travel bag and accessories
• Private Event Rental from new store Be My Guest
• Photo session from Jody Hanscom with Images on CD, print Release and One – 5×7
• Artisan Bread Baking Classes for Three with Chef Jimmy
• $50.00 Gift Certificate for Stay at the Grand Stay and bottles of Wine
• Another $50.00 Gift Certificate for Stay at the Grand Stay and bottles of Wine
• Light up your room. 3 tiered Candle set with 3 colonial candles from Flair Furniture and Gift Gallery
• Butterfly wine opening kit and accessories and three bottles of wine with copper wine bucket
• Two Tickets to Larry the Cable Guy at Mystic Lake Hotel And Casino, May 25, 2013
• Two tickets to Sheryl Crow at Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino – June 28, 2013
• Two boxes of original Gary Hoganson  greeting cards.
• Original Dee Teller Hand Painted Horse Fan
• Tai Chi Horse Tee Shirts – Youth Medium and 2XL
• Limited Edition Signed, Numbered, Roy Ahlgren Print titled “Infinity”
• Terrance Kloeckl Signed Print
• Original Framed Kirsten Johnson Acrylic Painting
• Authentic Pablo Picasso Etching “Pour boy”
• 3 piece photography set of original prints by Paul Swanson
• Signed and Numbered Jim Zotalis Pen & Ink, Cathedral of our Merciful Savior
• Reproduction Asian Brush Painting by Dee Teller.
• Signed Mounting Landscape Pen and Pink
• Limited Edition 1988 Cuvѐe Rѐservѐe Margaux French Wine No. 00114 of 1500.
• Medium Dairy Queen Blizzard Every Month for a year.
• Learn the art of Home Brewing, A Home Brew Outing for four includes 4 cases of beer you make.
• A Free Keg and Party for up to 25 people at Spikes for Hicktown Mafia on June 21, 2013
• One Original Portrait painting of your pet by artist Julie Fakler
• Original Batik on cotton. “Peony” by Deb Johnson
• Original Batik on paper. “Indigo Storm” by Deb Johnson
• Original Ivan Whillock Relief Carving
• Original Chris Whillock Caricature Carving

#71: That’s Amore (Package for 4 Guests)
Enjoy a Private Four Course Dinner with Wine Pairings for Four People at Augustos Resturante prepared and served by Chef Brad Gustafson.  

#72: Like a fine wine… (Package for 10 Guests)
Here is your opportunity to invite 9 of your closet friends to take a stroll through a gorgeous vineyard without leaving the comfort of your home. Sip, talk, laugh and learn about wine with your friends and neighbors as Justin Esplan from Paustis Wine Company takes your pallet on an amazing adventure with this Private In home wine tasting for 10.

#73: Dinner with the Schluters (Package for 8 Guests)
Faribault’s Favorite Bed and Breakfast Proprietors have opened up their Beautiful Historic Home for up to eight guests to spend an enjoyable evening feasting on a gourmet three course dinner prepared and served by hosts Tami and Doug Schluter. Bring your own Drinks to share and maybe even stay the night.

#74: It’s Your Party! (Package for 10 Guests)
Welcome to the THE UPPER EAST SIDE….a concept, a place and experience. You are bidding on a fun, classy, private theme party (you choose the theme) at “The Upper East Side”.  Created by Suzanne Schwichtenberg, The Upper East Side is located in historic downtown Faribault at 213 Central Avenue, Suite A.  The location is upstairs and features the “uptown” feel of a New York City brown stone. Your evening includes appetizers and cocktails for up to 10 guests. Three hours of a relaxing evening.  Cocktails, Coffee, Tea, included, along with a light catered menu to fit the theme of your gathering will be served to you.

#75: Beer Shopping Spree (Package for 2 Guests)
Beer connoisseurs here is your opportunity of a lifetime. President of College City Beverage, Christopher Sawyer has the largest walk-in cooler south of the river and he is inviting you and a friend to grab as much beer as you can in 3 minuets from the warehouse. Take as many cases as you can stack on a pallet home with you and enjoy.

#76 Dine and Wine with Neighborhood Charm (Package for 8 Guests)
Nestled in a quaint neighborhood in Northfield’s west side of town, just down the hill from St. Olaf College, The Ole Store Restaurant is an upscale casual contemporary restaurant with all the charm of a neighborhood location.  Here you and seven guests will be enjoying a Seven Course meal with Wine Parings in the welcoming atmosphere, coupled with outstanding cuisine and local farm-fresh foods.

#77: Norskfest: (Package for 8 Guests)
Longtime Paradise Center Supporters Matt & Kris Drevlow welcome you and seven of your friends into their home as they host an evening smorgasbord of hors d’oeuvres, and teach you how to bake some of their favorite Norwegian recipes for lefse, krumkake and kringla  (absolutely no lutefisk).   Coupled with three bottles of Wine from Bauer’s Southside Liquor to wash it all down.  Everyone is guaranteed to go home with a full stomach and some lefse, krumkake and kringla to share with family and friends.

#78: Time to Fly Away. (Package for 2 Guests)
Looking for a reason to pack your bags a getaway, now’s your chance. Thanks to ABC Travel and ABC Bus Company, Two Lucky people can enjoy two roundtrip airline tickets on Delta Air Lines to any destination in the continental 48 states, Canada or Alaska.

#79: Watch it on the Big Screen
Thinking of upgrading your viewing experience? Well thanks to your local independent financial advisors Jake Cook & Brent Peroutka with Comprehensive Wealth Solutions, and Doug Schluter of DC Schluter Tax and Accounting Services here is your opportunity to own a Full HD, 1080p, LCD,  47” Flat Screen TV. This gorgeous TV from Fette Electronics. This gorgeous TV could be hanging on your wall in your living room or rec room by the end of the evening if the bid is right!

#80 Breakfast and Bullets
Ever wanted to know what it would be like to fire a machine gun or a shot gun, or better yet, find out all the secrets of how to get out of a speeding ticket? Well you can find out when you have breakfast with Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen and Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn at Bernie’s and then head of to the range to shoot off a few rounds.

#81 VAIL VACATION (Getaway for up to 10 guests)
Welcome to La Casa Vista Vail. A lovely, three-story duplex decorated in a warm, mountain style, accented with hardwood and stone floors and vaulted ceilings in every room. Wrap around windows present beautiful views of mountains on three sides. La Casa Vista Vail is located just minutes from the center of Vail Village giving you easy access to all of the Vail Valley’s activities. This 2,500 square foot, custom decorated residence is the perfect place to start all of your winter or summer Vail area adventures. Live the life of luxury as you enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace or savor stunning views of the Vail Valley and surrounding mountain slopes!  Thanks to Owners, Steve and Carolyn Pope for opening up their vacation home for our winning bidder.

#82 Silver Elegance
Gentlemen get your bid numbers ready. Mother’s day is right around the corner, weather you are married to the mother of your children or maybe a purchase for your mom herself…better yet… just spoil your lady rotten with this Stunning Black Onyx Earrings and Pendant Set donated by Chappius Jewelry.

#83 A Minnesota Field of Dreams
The Drevlow family will host an evening for up to 20 people of skating, hockey, or broomball on their back yard ice rink with beverages for young and old, a bonfire, hotdogs, s’mores, hot apple cider, and a Drevlow family tradition of all you can eat grilled chicken wings.  Skate the way God intended in the great outdoors, under the night sky and with a chicken wing in your hand.  Whether you want to get some kids together for a fun evening of skating or some buddies to participate in a beer league style broomball game we’ve got you covered. (Schedule subject to weather).

#84 Northwood’s Cabin Getaway (Getaway for up 7 – comfortably sleeps 4)
It’s time to truly getaway thanks to the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Art Gallery. Enjoy a 6 night, 7 day stay in a cozy cabin on Gunflint Lake on the Minnesota/Canadian border. This package includes a full day of guiding with an expert fishing guide and one meal at the gunflint lodge bistro for each guest.

Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos promises comedy, music at Faribault’s Paradise Center for the Arts.

This concert is for everyone who loves Holiday Music and is playing it non stop on there cable tv, radio, Pandora, I Heart Radio or I tunes right now.

A piano, a bass and a guitar gift wrapped with a big band sound… Oooh baby its cold out there, and the Jazz is hot on stage. Here all your favorite classic holiday hits as The George Maurer Trio takes you on a Sleigh Ride through a Winter Wonderland. The Perfect Start to the Holiday Season.

$15 for members and $19 for non members Children under 12 $8.00

Part of the 2012 KGP Logistics Music Season.

Click here to purchase your 2013 music season package

January Thaw, Rock n Soul Review
Saturday, January 26, 7:00pm 
Dance off the winter blues with an evening filled of unbelievable music with The Paradise Central Band featuring
Doug Madow and The Rusty Nails. Don’t miss the hottest ticket of the winter.
$15 for members and $19 for non members Students $10

Monroe Crossing
Friday, February 15, 7:30pm
Bluegrass is Back! Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their airtight harmonies, razor sharp arrangements, and on-stage rapport make them audience favorites across the United States and Canada.
$15 for members and $19 for non members Students $10

Tiptoe Through the 60s
Saturday, March 23 7:30pm 
Take a Magical History Tour with songs and stories from a revolutionary decade. See all the Triumphs, tragedies, and trends of the 1960s with over 300 images on two giant TV Screens and Sing Along to Hit the Road jack, Surfer Girl, Blowin’ in the Wind, Hey Jude, Hello Dolly… and Many More.
$15 for members and $19 for non members Students $10

Funded, in part, by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Home Free with special guest The Bad Tangerines
Saturday, May 11, 7:30pm
Just imagine NBC’s THE SING OFF live on stage for one night only. No votes, no one goes home, and no instruments. Take A capella to the next level in this evening of pure musical entertainment and come alive with the rich blend of perfect harmonies in a true vocal band experience.
$15 for members and $19 for non members Students $10

Pull Start Diesel’s
Tribute to Waylon Jennings
Saturday, June 1, 7:30pm
Country music fans of all ages can’t help but be drawn to the outlaw music of Waylon Jennings.  And this summer, we welcome Pull Start Diesel as they pay homage to one of music’s biggest legends.
$15 for members and $19 for non members Students $10

Best of Broadway & Film
Saturday, June 29 at 7:30pm
Sunday June 30 at 2:00pm
Southern Minnesota’s best singers are back again for the Fifth Annual Best of Broadway to belt out those favorite show tunes. Always and an audience favorite, the Best of Broadway Series this year will have all your favorite singers and even add in some newcomers.
$15 for members and $19 for non members, Students $10

Rubber Soul, The Tribute
Saturday, September, 28 7:30pm
Relive the magic of the Beatles throughout the British invasion, the psychedelic era of Sgt Pepper & The Magical Mystery Tour and  travel through the White Album release while you take a ride down Abbey Road.
$15 for members and $19 for non members, Students $10 

At Christmas 
with Mick Sterling
Saturday, December, 21^st 7:30pm
Are you on the nice list or the naughty list? Comedy, drama, gift wrapped with a gorgeous musical bow and ready to put under the tree. A funny, poignant and heart-warmingly tender and brilliantly written musical adventure featuring a six piece band and one of the Twin Cities favorite front men.    
$15 for members and $19 for non members, Students $10

Click here to purchase your 2013 music season package

 Click Here to Buy Your 2013 Season Ticket Packages

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE!
Spontaneous Productions
January 19, 2013 7:30pm
FAMILY, FRIENDLY, FUN Improvisation Theater for all ages.
Don’t miss this special performance and all the hilarity that ensues as you laugh until it hurts in this one night only not-to-be-missed theatrical comedic performance.
Single Tickets $10 Adults $5 Students ($1.00 off for PCA Members) 

God of Carnage
Written by Yasmina Reza, and
translated by Christopher Hampton
Directed by Gabe Talamantes
April 12, 13, 19,19,20 at 7:30pm 
April 14 at 2:00pm
A delicious caustic comedy and the Tony Award-winning comedy of grown ups behaving badly. God of Carnage begins as two highly strung couples, Alan and Annette Raleigh and Michael and Veronica Novak, meet for a civil discussion about a playground fight between their sons. The conversation quickly morphs into a laugh-out-loud, train wreck of an afternoon among savages, called “ninety minutes of sustained mayhem” by The New Yorker. The New York Times hailed God of Carnage as a “four-way prize fight” and the Chicago Tribune praised it as a”savvy and deliciously caustic new comedy.” This must-see received the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, as well as the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards for Best Play. This production contains strong language.
Single Tickets $14 Adults $10 Students ($1.00 off for PCA Members) 

Dracula
Written and adapted by Dan Rathbun
From the Novel written by Bram Stoker
Directed by Dan Rathbun.
September 13, 14, 9, 20, 21 at 7:30pm
September 15 at 2:00pm
After bringing to life Coconuts & Warheadsin its World Premier on the Paradise Center Stage in 2011, playwright Dan Rathbun takes on Bram Stoker’s Dracula in this new original adaptation.
Single Tickets $14 Adults $10 Students ($1.00 off for PCA Members)MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, The Musical
Written by George Seaton from a story by Valentine Davies
Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Willson
Directed by Shelley Fitzgerald
December 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 pm 
December 8 and 15 at 2:00 pm
Kris Kringle takes on the cynic among us in the musical adaption of the popular holiday favorite. In his inimitable style, Meredith Willson (The Music Man and The Unsinkable Molly Brown) tells us the classic story of the year. Filled with humor and such beloved songs as “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” this joyous, heart-warming musical is pure family entertainment and the perfect holiday treat for all audiences to enjoy.
Single Tickets $15 Adults $10 Students ($1.00 off for PCA Members)
Sponsored by Reliance Bank Click Here to Buy Your 2013 Season Ticket Packages 

These activities are made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the State’s general fund and its arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.  

Willy Wonka
December 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at 7:30pm
December 9, 16 at 2:00pm
Lyrics and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Adapted for the Stage by Timothy A. McDonald and Leslie Bricusse
Based on the book,”Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
Directed by Palmer Huff

Tickets: $14 Adults  and $8 for children 12 and under. Groups of 10 or more, $1.00 off per ticket.
Groups for same performance only, payment in full at time of purchase.
Sponsored by Faribault Foods

Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest  to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and  the Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. This new stage musical adaptation is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. In a troubled world looking for escape, Willy Wonka takes you on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination!

This concert is for everyone who loves Holiday Music and is playing it non stop on there cable tv, radio, Pandora, I Heart Radio or I tunes right now.

A piano, a bass and a guitar gift wrapped with a big band sound… Oooh baby its cold out there, and the Jazz is hot on stage. Here all your favorite classic holiday hits as The George Maurer Trio takes you on a Sleigh Ride through a Winter Wonderland. The Perfect Start to the Holiday Season.

$15 for members and $19 for non members Children under 12 $8.00

Part of the 2012 KGP Logistics Music Season.

To all you wonderful people, young and old, who came out for auditions; thank you, thank you, thank you!

I was truly grateful to all of you taking the time and sharing your talents with me and the other members of the production team.  Now I want everyone to be aware that because of the vast amounts of talented people who came out I am now posed with the task of filling the cast.  I am working thru the show and will be contacting everyone who came in.  My plan is to have all the positioning done by Friday and to call everyone on Saturday.

All of you are a true credit to the Minnesota theatre community.  I look forward to talking with all of you and your families this weekend.

Regards,
Palmer Huff
Director, Willy Wonka