Clear Lake Community Theater Presents: A Purrfect Crime

By Muriel Nelson

It’s time to mark your calendar for another impressive performance by the Clear Lake Community Theater. This season, “The Purrfect Crime” by Todd Wallinger will be performed by ten talented actors (plus a handful of extras) and directed by Melanie Cuper. Performances of this comedic mystery are on November 7, 8, and 9, plus the following weekend of November 14,15, and 16. Performances are at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday nights and at 2 pm on Sunday afternoons. 

You may have expected to see Heidi Paulson’s name as Director. She’s still involved with the theatrical group but has been gradually moving aside.  Heidi says her current role is Production Advisor with an emphasis on costuming. Heidi and Melanie are Co-Producers of “The Purrfect Crime”. They were somewhat secretive about the plot but finally divulged that it encompasses a very, very rich cat. What could go wrong with that situation?!? (We can find out in a couple weeks).

We all know Melanie as one of the helpful staff at Pillar Bank here in Clear Lake. She’s also a long-time Emergency Medical Technician with the Clear Lake Ambulance Service.  For the last two years, Melanie has been devoting time to help direct the local community theater. When asked for details, she responds, “It just happened”. We are all grateful for her participation, and Heidi especially. 

Melanie continues to enjoy her association with the Community Theater. She described it as “Never a dull moment”. Of particular interest to her is seeing the actors, ages 9 to 70-plus, learning and working together to create successful performances. She’s particularly proud of last Spring’s play that was an all-children’s production. Under Melanie’s directorship, fifteen “little people” practiced very hard and presented six successful productions of “Doc, Doc…Goose!” by Patrick Rainville Dorn. There’s no better way to create an interest in acting in our youngest generation than to have then on stage in live performances.

Janette Schott has also joined the theatrical troupe as a co-director. She’s not having an active role in this production because of a recent knee replacement surgery.  Janette reported that she’s recovering nicely and to anticipate her participation in future plays. Janette has experience as both an actor and director while living in Green Bay. She moved to our area about 2 years ago after many active  years in the theatrical scene there.  She has extensive experience as both an actor and director in community theater, at UW-GB and other thespian groups there.

Melanie, Janette, and Heidi have their eyes on the future while managing two community theater performances per year plus supporting the local high school’s desire to have plays. They hope to expand the types of productions, maybe even put on a musical.  Another aspiration is to increase local interest and talent such that there are more people from which to select as actors for plays. 

However, improvements to the CLACC Event Center stage area would be required for some of their dreams to be realized. CLACC has included improvements to the Event Center Stage area on its Capital Improvements List. This includes a new stage, new lighting and an audio system. The community center continues to look for funding for this project that could be very beneficial not only to the Community Theater but also the high school drama group and other events taking place in the Event Center. Anyone interested in contributing to this fund should contact CLACC.

Melanie and Heidi mentioned that the Forest Timberwolves 4-H Club will provide refreshments again at intermission. The club is using this opportunity to raise money from the free will donations received to purchase a handicap swing for the park in Deer Park.

When interviewing the talented three-some, Heidi, Melanie and Janette, it was easy to sense their dedication to the Community Theater.  I’m reminded how fortunate our community is to have them investing their time and talents to provide us with excellent productions for our enjoyment. We don’t need to travel to other communities and places for first-rate entertainment because we have it right here in Clear Lake.

Looking forward to seeing  you at “The Purrfect Crime” in early November.

Heidi Paulson, Janette Schott and Melanie Cuper, Community Theater Directors and Co-Producers

Clear Lake Community Theater has been a CLACC tenant since 1999.