BY ELLEN ROSSOW
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This year marks the 51st season of the Straw Hat Players Summer Theatre program.

The line-up for this year offers a wide variety of shows for the viewing pleasure of all interested patrons.

The season kicks off on June 3 with “Suds: The Musical.”

“Suds” is a fun musical filled with pop hits from the ‘60s. According to the Straw Hat website, the show “tells the story of a young woman and her guardian angels, who come to teach her about finding true love in, of all places, a laundromat.” This first show will be held at 7:30 p.m. June 3-6 on the Gaede Stage.

After the run of “Suds,” the Straw Hat players will change pace with a drama called “Doubt.” This award-winning straight-play runs June 10 through 13. This “eloquent and provocative investigation of truth and consequences,” is set in 1964 and tells the story of a nun who feels as though a priest has done something horrible to one of his students. This show will also be held at 7:30 p.m. each night on the Gaede Stage.

“Funny Girl” is a classic musical based on the life and career of Fanny Brice. The show features popular songs such as “Don’t Rain on my Parade” and

“People,” and will start at 7:30 p.m. running from June 17 – 20 in the Hansen Theatre.

After closing “Funny Girl,” Straw Hat will produce another straight-play called “Barefoot in the Park.” This romantic comedy follows the story of newly weds as they deal with the usual issues that surround a newly married couple, as well as the hilarity that befalls them. This show will run at 7:30 p.m. from June 24-27 on the Gaede Stage.

The Straw Hat Players 51st season will close with their production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” another classic piece of musical theatre. Being a Broadway classic, “Fiddler” includes many musical numbers that are well-known such as “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker.” This classic story of Tevye, a father of five daughters, and his attempts to keep his Jewish traditions alive during changing times will run at 7:30 p.m. on July 10, 11 and 15 – 18 on the Hansen Stage.

All of the shows performed by the Straw Hat Players Summer Theatre program are rated PG-13.

For ticket prices or other inquiries, patrons can call the MSUM box office at 218-477-2271 or visit the Straw Hat Players website at mnstate.edu/strawhat.