The evening featured Broadway hits performed by local and regional talent. Approximately 60 to 65 attendees gathered for the showcase, which celebrated community theater and raised funds for future programming.

Board member Lisa Besemer opened the evening with a reflection on the theater’s recent transformation.

“It is best to tell you where we have been,” Besemer said. “In the past two years, we’ve gone from one part-time staff person to two full-time staff. Last year, we had a huge issue with our steam heat, but we managed to install new equipment and solve the problem. We had a big leak in the roof that required repairs and a smaller leak on the lower level.

“We wrapped up the capital campaign, which included numerous projects. Highlights include our beautiful red seats, the redesign of the men’s and women’s restrooms, the addition of accessible seating and restrooms, and the installation of the electronic sign out front. Recently, you may have noticed the accessible ramp at the front doors. We will be completing some landscaping on that project. Your support means so much to us.”

The audience enjoy a performance from Land Hudson during the State Street Theater showcase The blend of Broadway hits, desserts, and community spirit made for an unforgettable evening.

The evening’s program featured songs from “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and other musicals, performed by a cast of local and regional talent. The showcase was designed to highlight the performers’ range while raising funds for future programming.

Executive Director Lorie Jewell was impressed with the generosity of the performers to volunteer their time and talent for the fundraiser.

“The fact that they really care about community theater, they care about the mission of State Street Theater,” Jewell said. “They care about what we’re trying to do here and that they want to give of their own time and talent to put this on–that has really been phenomenal.”

Jewell also performed an original song in the second act, stepping in after performer called in sick.

Landon Hudson, a senior BFA musical theater major at Minnesota State University, Mankato, covered “Shiksa Goddess” from “The Last Five Years.”

Landon Hudson performs “Wondering” from “The Bridges of Madison County” and “What Is It About Her” from “The Wild Party.” A senior BFA musical theater major at MSU Mankato, Hudson also stepped in for a last-minute cover of “Shiksa Goddess” from “The Last Five Years.”

Hudson previously directed “The Music Man” at State Street and currently handles marketing for “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Alex Vigil, a junior BFA musical theater student, served as stage manager for “The Music Man” and returned to perform “Astonishing” from “Little Women” and “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” from “Avenue Q.”

Other performances included Kristen Flathers’ tap number to “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray,” Ruby Wilmes’ rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green” from “Little Shop of Horrors,” and Crystal Johnson’s flute solo on “In Dreams” from “The Lord of the Rings.” Johnson also sang “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid.”

Jared Gleisner, a New Ulm Cathedral graduate now studying computer science at Benedictine College in Kansas, performed “Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked” and “You’ll Be Back” from “Hamilton,” complete with a crown prop. Derek Helget, a Briar Cliff University theater graduate, performed “Some Enchanted Evening” from “South Pacific” and “If I Can’t Love Her” from “Beauty and the Beast,” accompanied by the enchanted rose.

Sage Minnihan, a sophomore BFA musical theater major at MSU Mankato, performed “Something to Shout About” from “BOOP!” and “Nothing Short of Wonderful” from “Dogfight.” The performer roster included emerging artists and returning contributors.

Alex Vigil steps into the spotlight with “Astonishing” from “Little Women” and “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” from “Avenue Q.” A junior BFA musical theater student at MSU Mankato, Vigil previously stage-managed The Music Man at State Street Theater, bringing dedication and artistry to every role she takes on.

Audience reactions were positive. Betty Sauers of New Ulm said she “loved all of it,” praising the variety and energy of the performances.

Jewell announced that the theater received grant funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board to support hiring a part-time development position. A job posting will appear in the coming months.

“It was a lot of work, but yes–we were happy with the outcome,” Office Manager Janese Olson said, commenting on the event’s success.

State Street’s upcoming season includes three plays and one musical, plus performances by Trace Bundy and The Fourth Wall. The theater will also host a German playwright for a production in New Ulm.

State Street Theater operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a 15-member board and welcomes volunteers. Information is available at statestreetnewulm.org.

Sage Minnihan sings “Nothing Short of Wonderful” from “Dogfight,” during the State Street Theater fundraising showcase. A sophomore BFA musical theater major at MSU Mankato, Minnihan also performed “Something to Shout About” from “BOOP!”

Jared Gleisner channels royal flair in “You’ll Be Back” from “Hamilton,” complete with crown and charisma. A New Ulm Cathedral graduate now studying computer science at Benedictine College, Gleisner also performed “Dancing Through Life” from Wicked.

Jared Glelisner performing “Dancing through life,” from the musical ‘Wicked.’ A New Ulm Cathedral graduate now studying computer science at Benedictine College, Gleisner also performe “You’ll Be Back from “Hamilton.”

Derek Helget performs “If I Can’t Love Her” from ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ with enchanted rose off to the side. A Briar Cliff University theater graduate, Helget also performed “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific.

Crystal Johnson performed a flute solo from “The Lord of the Rings” and vocals from “The Little Mermaid.” Her renditions of “In Dreams” and “Part of Your World” showcased both instrumental and vocal artistry.