Staff photo by Clay Schuldt (Left to right) Christina Koester, Judy Sellner, Sue Griebel, Bonnie Lantz and Jodi Poehler wear matching black and white jumpsuits to practice the “Illusion Dance,” which they will perform next week in State Street Theater Company’s “Syttende Deutsche” variety show.

NEW ULM — It is said in New Ulm that Germans have more fun, but next week it’s the Norwegians’ turn with the State Street Theater’s variety show, “Syttende Deutsche.”

The State Street Theater Company (SSTC) “Syttende Deutsche” variety show will hold three performances the first weekend in May. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and May 6 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 7.

The variety show is similar to the “Syttende Mai” variety show held in Hanska. In English “Syttende Mai” means “Seventeenth of May.” May 17 is the Norwegian Constitution Day and is an official national holiday in Norway. The variety show always performed in May as near to the 17th as possible.

The “Syttende Mai” variety show was popular. On the SSTC website producer Judy Sellner said the Hanska show became bigger each year with several types of acts. The shows would play to a pack crowd, but unfortunately “Syttende Mai” lost is performance venue. SSTC decided to revive the old “Syttende Mai” in New Ulm with a slight German name change.

Show director Michael Koester said the idea to bring the Syttende Mai show to New Ulm was due to the success of last year’s variety show.

In 2016, the SSTC was unable to put on a traditional play or musical since the theater was out of electrical power. In response SSTC put on a variety show called “Lights Out” to acknowledge the utilities crisis, but as way to raise funds for the theater.

“We did ‘Lights Out’ variety show last year because we had to but we thought about doing the same thing this year,” Koester said.

The lights are back on at State Street but fundraising is a constant need. By adapting the Syttende Mai show into “Syttende Deutsche” SSTC is able to draw from experience.

SSTC Performer Christina Koester said the production brought over people involved in the Hanska show to make “Syttende Deutsche” work.

This year’s show will be less formal than “Lights Out.” The stage is set to resemble a tavern. Each act performs under a spotlight while the on deck performers wait at the bar.

In total, the variety show will feature 35 volunteer performers, ages 10 to 86. Michael Koester said many of the performers are new to the stage.

“This brings in new talent who not normally be in a show, but maybe have a song in them,” Koester said.

The SSTC website said the show will bend German and Norwegian cultures through skits, parodies, music, singing, and dancing. Performances include comedy, sketches and poking fun at the locals. No one is immune from good-natured teasing.

“Syttende Deutsche” will also feature special appearances from impersonators ranging from Sonny and Cher to Elvis as well as Performances from Sons of Knute, Norwegian Studs, and the Sort of Can Play Band.

General admission seating is $ 10 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, online, or by calling 507-359-9990.