Home & Community Options, Inc.
Winona, MN support and residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities
Home and Community Options is pleased to announce our 2020 musical production:
ANNIE
Stay tuned via our website, Facebook, or e-newsletter in the coming months for more updates as they become available.
The Production Committee, Management Team, HCO Board and SK Committees are excited to put on another great show next year and we hope you are too!
Costuming for the Home and Community Options (HCO) musical is an enormous undertaking, especially for this year’s recent show, My Fair Lady.
HCO’s inventory of costumes are stored in the HCO Costume Center, which is located in the basement of Coldwell-Banker in downtown Winona. This space was donated for use by the building’s owners. Some of the costumes that HCO has were donated by the Save Our Fine Arts (SOFA) committee when they disbanded at Winona Senior High School, and Bruce and Carol Ramsdell also personally donated some costumes from their private collection. The inventory has grown over the years with HCO’s own creations.
Well before the cast is chosen in the spring, lead costumer and HCO Division Director, Mary Jansen, is organizing the work area and pulling potential costumes that she thinks will work for HCO’s production. Joining Mary on the costume team for this year’s show were nine other passionate, dynamic ladies: Margaret Cassidy, Sydney Smith, Lynda Tillman, Edie Davis, Barb Burchill, Deb Sauer, Joan McGill and HCO Directors Paula Krage and Kathy Murck. “The atmosphere is full of positive energy! Many jokes, singing and dancing and compliments are exchanged,” Mary shares. “It is important that we have fun with each other as well as with the cast members coming in to be fitted.” The costumers enjoy the opportunity to be creative and develop ensembles that each cast member will love to wear.
Once the play is cast, the costumers must determine how many costumes each cast member must be fitted for. This year, My Fair Lady called for a wide variety of costumes, from formal gowns and tuxes for the Ascot Gavotte, to the street clothes of the cockney men and women in other numbers. With 88 cast members each needing at least two costumes, Mary estimates that there are at least 185 costumes that were used for the show.
For about a month, fittings were held every Wednesday and Thursday night, each of which were attended by varying members of the costume crew. Once potential items are pulled and cast members arrived to try things on, necessary alterations (letting things in or taking them out, hemming, adding trim, etc.) were noted on forms to be used later when the hands-on work commenced by the volunteers, sewing either at the center or from their homes. When making changes, costumers are careful to think of future uses for each piece they work on so that alterations that are made are able to be undone whenever possible.
There are often pieces of costumes that are needed that are not in HCO’s collection, which then need to be found. Costumers prowl used clothing stores and consignment shops, and even then, they sometimes have to order things, like top hats and parasols. This year, Margaret Cassidy and Edie Davis found things like ribbons, feathers, and beading to decorate the women’s fancy Ascot hats, which were all made in one Saturday morning with six people working on them. If, after searching the costume collection, the shops, and the internet, the right thing can’t be found, these talented women must modify existing pieces by hand or make pieces from scratch, purchasing the patterns they need or pulling from their own personal inventory. “Costuming is a behind-the -scenes, detailed job. It is not just the main costume the person is wearing, but down to the bobby pin that is holding the hat on! It is the little things that bring the added touches to the costume that count too and can be just as challenging as the costume itself,” Mary shares.
The Saturday before dress rehearsals begin, the Costume Parade is held. Mary sits in the audience with Artistic Director, Mark Roeckers, to watch each individual actor come on stage. Notes are taken on what changes need to be made to each costume. They then call the big production numbers onstage to be able to see the whole picture. During dress rehearsals, if a costume doesn’t work in action, further changes can be made. In fact, volunteers are often fixing, making, or modifying pieces throughout the run of the show.
The costumers favorite part of the job is building relationships with cast members and seeing their reactions to the costumes that were developed for them. “Costuming is fun because you get to know each person and assist them in getting in character to play their part the best they can. When costuming, you get to know them personally as you fit them, talk about their role, and other aspects of their lives. While you have the opportunity to work one-to-one with each cast member, seeing them all together performing in costume makes it real.”
Note: Before the run of the show had even begun, over 500 hours of volunteering was put in by the team of costumers. Our sincere thanks to all of them for all their hard work and dedication!
Want to get involved?
Volunteers do not need to sew to be a costumer – they can be crafty, can assist with ironing, write down alterations needed during fittings, assist in bagging costumes for taking them to the theatre, or finding items needed to complete the costumes. If you are wondering if costuming (or a different role) is the right fit for you, contact Lynette Johnson, Events Coordinator, at LynetteJ@hco.org!
From the Winona Daily News:
For over 20 years, Home and Community Options, Inc. has experienced magic through its annual musical. Each year, the magic becomes tangible as a mermaid finds her voice, a car flies, or, as seen this year in “My Fair Lady,” a young woman experiences an extraordinary transformation. The magic, however, is not in the musical itself, but rather in the community that brings the production to life. We at HCO once again offer our sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the success of My Fair Lady…. Read More
From the Winona Post:
Zane Schultz is appearing onstage in the Home and Community Options’ (HCO) musical for the first time this year. He is going to be a senior at Winona Senior High School next fall, and he currently sports custom-made Winhawk wheel covers on his wheelchair…. Read More
From the Winona Daily News:
The energy backstage at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre Tuesday night was palpable, as dozens of actors stepped into place for a cast photo before their dress rehearsal of “My Fair Lady.”
Troy Fegre, playing the part of an ornery bartender, rehearsed his line to ensure he had it down pat. “I ain’t running no charity bazaar. Drinks are supposed to be paid for,” he said confidently. Fegre and his friends will take the stage June 13-18 as part of the annual musical put on by Home & Community Options…. Read More
The My Fair Lady cast list is complete! Thank you to everyone who took the time to try out for this year’s musical! Each show brings it own unique casting needs and decisions are always a challenge for our directors. If you do not find yourself on this list, we hope you will consider participating to the show in other ways, be it as an usher or backstage volunteer, and please return to audition next year.
Eliza Doolittle – Janelle Johnson
Colonel Pickering – Vince Howard
Mrs. Eynsford-Hill – Edie Davis
Mrs. Higgins – Joyce Gulbrandsen
Henry Higgins – Karl Hoppe
Freddy Eynsford-Hill – Sklyer Erickson
Alfred P. Doolittle – Mike Hagarty
Bartender – Troy Fegre
Harry – Cole Jacobson
Jaime – Caleb Forst
Mrs. Pearce – Maria Higgins
Mrs. Hopkins – Kira Burda
Prof. Zoltan Karpathy – Camie Schneider
Bystander – Adeline Mathees
Another Bystander – Andrea Shearer
First-Fourth Cockneys – TBD (part of the men’s chorus)
Butler – Josh Leeper
Footman 1 – Theo Meyer
Lord Boxington – Isaac Burge
Lady Boxington – Hope Howard
Flower Girl – Viva Graff
Footman 2 – Malachi Draper
Selsey Man – Derek Anderson
Hoxton Man – Michael Krpan
2 Maids (part of the servants) – Grace Miller, Cianna Hoppe
Busker 1-3 – Theo Meyer, Malachi Draper, Preston Kamrowski
Two Stewards – Theo Meyer, Malachi Draper
Angry woman – Katrina Konkel
Angry man – John Przytarski
Charles – John Gensmer
Policemen – Michael Persons
Queen of Transylvania – Patti Johnson
Maid (of Mrs. Higgins) – Cianna Hoppe
Dr. Themistocles Stephanos – Derek Anderson
Chorus:
Bella Alexander
Derek Anderson
Isaac Burge (servant)
Brittani Burt
Colin Cada (servant)
Margaret Cassidy (servant)
Haylee Collins
Lilia Corcoran
Coco Costello
Malachi Draper
Christine Erickson
Tim Erickson
Lucy Fitch
John Gensmer
Hannah Graff (servant)
Viva Graff
Rachel Herman
Cianna Hoppe (servant)
Elijah Hoppe
Josiah Hoppe
Hope Howard
Kale Hutkowski
Patti Johnson
Preston Kamrowski
Katrina Konkel
Michael Krpan
Steve Laska
Josh Leeper (servant)
Shantel Majerus
Aria Marsolek
Adeline Mathees
Cindy Mercier
Theo Meyer
Grace Miller (servant)
Mikaela Mohr
Joan Moor
Anna Pampuch
Eric Pampuch
Fawna Pate
Michael Persons
Hannah Petersen
Ellie Peterson
John Przytarski
Maria Ramirez
Claire Rupprecht
Faithe Rupprecht
Mandy Rupprecht (servant)
Caitlyn Salinas
Courtney Scharmer
Sophi Schneider
Zane Schultz
Andrea Shearer
Kailee Slinkman
Jaime Smith
Zoey Snyder
Brenda Stark
Ashley Stoos
Mary Stoltman
Noah Tashner (servant)
Ellie TeBeest
Skylar Templeton
Kayleigh Walker
Becky Warner
Vivienne Warner
Laurie Ziliak (servant)
If there are any individuals cast that would like to decline their role, please email musical@hco.org. We thank each and every one of you for your interest in being a part of the mission and work of HCO.
Home and Community Options is pleased to announce its 2019 Musical Production as:
Opening Night will be June 13, 2019 at St. Mary’s University Page Theatre. Auditions will be held March 19th-21st. Stay tuned for more details!
HCO’s annual musical was established in 1998. While the yearly production acts as a fundraiser to assist us providing much needed services, supplies, and equipment for those we support, its uniquely designed to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities into our daily lives – the centralized goal of HCO’s organizational mission. Over the years, they have become a part of local community life and bring together some of the strongest talent in the Winona area. By providing a quality musical production that integrates individuals with disabilities into the performing arts, HCO continues its efforts to enhance life in our community for all.
For more information on how to get involved in this amazing project, check out the musical section of our website!
The Little Mermaid cast list is complete! Thank you to everyone who took the time to try out for this year’s musical! Casting decisions were difficult this year due to the incredible talent that came through our doors. If you do not find yourself on this list, we hope you will consider participating in other ways, be it as an usher or backstage volunteer, and please return to audition next year. Each show brings it own unique casting needs.
Please note that some of the sailors, maids, chefs and gulls may be added to the chorus numbers.
Little Mermaid 2018 Cast
Ariel: Janelle Johnson
Prince Eric: Chris Adams
Ursula: Becky Warner
Pilot: Joshua Stenklyft
Grimsby: Mike Hagarty
Flounder: Eric Pampuch
Scuttle: Theo Meyer
King Triton: Vince Howard
Windward: James Huebner
Leeward: John Huebner
Sebastian: Karl Hoppe
Flotsam: Camie Schneider
Jetsam: Kristi Moulton
Chef Louis: Cole Jacobson
Mersisters:
Hope Howard, Anne Galke, Abbey Iberg, Adeline Mathees, Josie O’Laughlin, Andrea Shearer
Mer-step-sisters:
Kira Burda, Hannah Graff, Viva Graff, Grace Hendrickson, Jeannie Kortas, Ellie PetersonMaids:
Jessie Clegg, Andrea Fetsch, Joyce Gulbrandsen, Mandi Rupprecht
Sailors:
Jaden Baker, Charlie Breza, Kyle Christensen, Justin Erbe, Tim Erickson, John Gensmer,
Kale Hutkowski, Stephan Kahlstorf, Jamie Smith, Kevin Spalding, Lance Urbich
Gulls:
Colin Cada, Malachi Draper, Hannah Graff, Nathan Graff, Viva Graff, Sophi Schneider
Chefs:
Jaden Baker, Madeline Beuning, Cece Hamrick, Stefan Kahlstorf, Cadence Klemp,
Emily Klemp, Hannah Peterson, Kailee Slinkman
If there are any individuals cast that would like to decline their role, please email hcoproduction@gmail.com. We thank each and every one of you for your interest in being a part of the mission and work of HCO.
Be a star with Home and Community Options 2018 summer musical production! This is your call to audition for Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID. Come join the fantastical musical adventure! Based on the Danish fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen, THE LITTLE MERMAID tells the story of a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human. There will be roles for 60 people, including numerous children’s roles for ages 8 and up. All auditions will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Home and Community Options Central Office at 66 East Third Street in Winona. On Monday, April 9th, auditions will be held for children ages 8 to 14. On Tuesday and Wednesday, April 10th and 11th, auditions will be held for persons 15 and older. Anyone interested in auditioning is asked to prepare up to 20 measures of a song (NOT FROM THE LITTLE MERMAID) and bring corresponding sheet music to the audition–no audio recordings please. Performances will take place from June 14th through June 19th at Saint Mary’s University Page Theatre in Winona. Money raised by this event will help support Home and Community Options mission of serving children and adults with developmental disabilities who are in need of residential and support services in order to live happily in the community.
For further information please contact Lynette Johnson at 507-474-9536.