Cross Community Players

Announcing Auditions!

CCP’s annual concert series returns October 25-27 with a fun-filled theme we are calling “Come On, Get Happy”! This original concept will include Broadway and movie musical favorites from every era that celebrate optimism, hope, and good times. Our cast will have the opportunity to influence the final concert song selections based on the creativity you put into selecting an audition piece that conveys our theme. A list of songs currently under consideration can be found on our website to give you some ideas. Participating in our fall concert series is a perfect opportunity for performers looking to experience community without the time commitment of a full show.

Audition details
All are welcome to audition for CCP. For this production, we are seeking performers age 15 and up.

Dates and locations:
Monday, August 19 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Advent Lutheran Church
9475 Jefferson Hwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Enter through the main doors on the south side of the church

Tuesday, August 20 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hamline Church United Methodist
1514 Englewood Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Parking lot in the rear of the church; enter through the south doors in the alley

Artistic Director: David Kozisek
Music Director: Walter Tambor

See our website for full audition details!
https://www.crossplayers.org/get-involved/auditions/

Information also available on Minnesota Playlist:
https://minnesotaplaylist.com/audition/come-get-happy-fall-concert-auditions

Note: All cast members will be asked to contribute a $30 activity fee

Just a mid-month reminder about our fundraising partnership with Crew Carwash, happening now through the end of this month! 🫧 🚗

See details in the post below:

We are partnering with Crew Carwash this July 1st – 31st to raise funds for our exciting 2025 season. 50% of your purchase will go directly to CCP!


How to participate:

1. Start by purchasing your wash voucher in advance through Crew’s fundraising website: https://crewcarwash.com/fundraisers/cross-community-players/

2.Take your voucher to one of Crew’s Minnesota locations, including Maple Grove and Wayzata, and show your vehicle some TLC

3.Purchase as many washes as you like between July 1 and 31!

Attending the parade tonight? Make sure to say hi to us! We are unit 44!

We will be promoting our fundraising opportunity we have running all of this month with !

Does your car need a cleaning after this holiday travel weekend? Consider purchasing a car wash voucher using the link in the post below to clean your car with Crew Carwash while also supporting CCP’s fundraising effort! 🧼

We are partnering with Crew Carwash this July 1st – 31st to raise funds for our exciting 2025 season. 50% of your purchase will go directly to CCP!


How to participate:

1. Start by purchasing your wash voucher in advance through Crew’s fundraising website: https://crewcarwash.com/fundraisers/cross-community-players/

2.Take your voucher to one of Crew’s Minnesota locations, including Maple Grove and Wayzata, and show your vehicle some TLC

3.Purchase as many washes as you like between July 1 and 31!

We are partnering with Crew Carwash this July 1st – 31st to raise funds for our exciting 2025 season. 50% of your purchase will go directly to CCP!


How to participate:

1. Start by purchasing your wash voucher in advance through Crew’s fundraising website: https://crewcarwash.com/fundraisers/cross-community-players/

2.Take your voucher to one of Crew’s Minnesota locations, including Maple Grove and Wayzata, and show your vehicle some TLC

3.Purchase as many washes as you like between July 1 and 31!

We are excited to announce our upcoming season!

Bridges of Madison County ~ CCP’s commitment to bringing you compelling stories set to beautiful music goes to a whole new level next spring with this musical adaptation of the blockbuster book and Oscar winning movie. This sweeping romance about the roads we travel, the doors we open, and the bridges we dare to cross brings to life deeply realistic characters set to a gorgeous score.

Once Upon A Mattress ~ One of the funniest Broadway shows of all time, Once Upon a Mattress tells the story of the princess and the pea through song, dance and flawless comedic timing. This show launched the incredible careers of Carol Burnett and Sarah Jessica Parker, so there is a hint of magic too! Join us next summer for a trip back to a time of castles, knights and sleepless princesses!

What?! That’s right… today is our final performance of Hello, Dolly! and we are feeling pretty sad about ending what has been an amazing experience with this cast and crew.

Join us this beautiful afternoon, 2pm at Town Green Ampitheater in Maple Grove. You’ll regret it if you miss this show!

Tickets (also available at the door): https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Thanks again to .media for capturing photos of this production.

FOUND: pair of sunglasses left at Town Green on opening night. If they are yours, please send us a message, and we will make arrangements to get them back to you. 😎

Folks, you just have two more opportunities to enjoy Hello, Dolly! This evening (June 22) or tomorrow afternoon (June 23).

See our website for tickets and details! Tickets are also available to purchase at the door. https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Amazing photographs by .media

Hey folks! Due to the rainy weather, tonight's (Friday 06/21) performance of Hello, Dolly will be at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church; 5929 Brooklyn Blvd; Brooklyn Center, MN at 7:30. It is a full performance with minimal set pieces. It's a great venue. You will not be disappointed. Hope to see you there.

You may use your ticket for tonight for the Saturday evening or Sunday matinee at Town Green. For complete information on dates, times, and tickets, visit crossplayers.org.

Photo credit to BTE- media.

There are four more performances of Hello, Dolly this weekend starting Thursday evening. In case of rain, the alternate venue to Town Green is Cross of Glory Lutheran Church; 5929 Brooklyn Blvd; Brooklyn Center, MN. The decision to move indoors will be announced by 4:00 PM the day of the performance via social media and email. The indoor performance features the entire show, just with a reduced set. Please still plan on attending and enjoy this fantastic show no matter the weather! Visit crossplayers.org for tickets and other details.

Photo credit to BTE-Media

Audiences are loving Hello, Dolly!

If you haven’t seen the show yet, you’re in luck as we have four more performances this weekend on June 20, 21, 22 and 23.

You can purchase tickets online here, and they are also available at the door: https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Enjoy some more of these amazing preview photos from .media ✨

Hello, Dolly! - Performance Change
Due to the anticipated heat this afternoon we are moving the performance start time from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for our June 16 performance of Hello, Dolly! Thank you for your flexibility.

Performance details:

Start time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Town Green Amphitheater in Maple Grove, MN

Notice to ticket holders: If you purchased tickets for today's impacted performance in advance, you may use your ticket to attend any of our remaining performances.

CROSS donations
Please bring a non-perishable food or school supply donation for CROSS.

Hello, Dolly! - Performance Change
Due to current weather conditions, we are moving our June 15 performance of Hello, Dolly! indoors for a special staged concert version.
Concert details:
• Start time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Cross of Glory Lutheran Church
5929 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN
Notice to ticket holders: If you purchased tickets for today's impacted performance in advance, you may use your ticket to attend:
• Today's staged concert version at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church
- OR -
• Any of our remaining performances at the Town Green Amphitheatre
If you are unable to use a purchased ticket, you may be able to claim the expense as a 501(c)(3) charitable donation on your tax return.

Do these amazing preview photos by .media make you as excited as we are for opening night TONIGHT?! We can’t wait to share this show with you.

Get your tickets! https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Check out this feature of Hello, Dolly! from CCX Media:

Cross Community Players Presents “Hello, Dolly!” Cross Community Players' rendition of "Hello, Dolly!" is described as "clever, campy, funny and entertaining for all ages."

Just listen to Dolly! Get your tickets now, and we will see you this weekend or next. 🎟️

https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Photo Credit: .media

Introducing Julia Zook (Dance Captain/Stanley)

Favorite song in the show? “Elegance!”

Favorite part of working on the show (so far)? “This show makes me emotional. I love closing my eyes before going on for parade and just soaking it all in!”

Hobbies outside of theater? “I am a professional actor for film/tv so I spend a lot of time on set. Outside of acting, I enjoy cooking, thrifting, driving, and reading!”

Favorite past shows/roles? “Irene Molloy (Hello, Dolly!), Leading Player (Pippin), and Marjorie (Birds of Paradise) have my heart!”

Why should folks see Hello, Dolly? “Hello, Dolly! is such a beautiful piece of art. It’s the perfect mix of everything! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll reflect. I love that no matter what, there is a character, story, scene, or song for everyone to relate to.”

Thank you Julia! 👏

Get your tickets today - we open THIS FRIDAY!
https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Introducing James Vair (Cornelius Hackl)

Favorite song in the show? “Put On Your Sunday Clothes”

Favorite part of working on the show (so far)? “Being in Hello, Dolly has been a dream of mine since I was in high school. It’s been such a blast being part of this show and working with such a wonderful cast. We’ve been having a blast putting the show together and I can’t wait to share it with audiences.”

Hobbies outside of theater? “Biking!”

Favorite past shows/roles? “Bert in Mary Poppins, Telly in Godspell, and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast”

Why should folks see Hello, Dolly? “A true classic, Hello, Dolly offers something for everyone. From catchy songs, to big dance numbers and slapstick comedy, I can’t imagine a better way to spend an evening or afternoon!”

Let’s hear it for James!

Get your tickets today: https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Introducing Margaret Reid (Dolly Levi)

Favorite song in the show? “So Long, Dearie”

Favorite part of working on the show (so far)? “I have loved seeing all of the characters come to life! I had the chance to play Mrs. Molloy almost 20 years ago, and coming back to this show with new actors and new interpretations is such a gift.”

Hobbies outside of theater? “Outside of theater, I love running my piano and voice studio in St. Louis Park, playing competitive tennis, and being a mom to my three kids.”

Favorite past shows/roles? “Some of my favorite past roles are Vi Moore in Footloose, Spirit Woman in Bright Star, Melissa Frake in State Fair, Miss Hannigan in Annie, and Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes!”

Why should folks see Hello, Dolly? “ Audience members should make a mad dash to see this show; it is clever, campy, funny, and entertaining for all ages.”

Thank you Margaret! You can see Margaret on stage as Dolly on opening night (one week from tonight!) on 6/14, and on 6/15, 6/21, 6/22, and 6/23.

Get your tickets today: https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Check out the wonderful group of folks that make up the cast and crew of Hello, Dolly!

This group is hard at work preparing to put on a top notch show in just a few short weeks.

Grab your tickets now! https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Introducing Ann Farrell (Ernestina Money)

Favorite song in the show? “Put on Your Sunday Clothes”

Favorite part of working on the show (so far)? “It’s been great fun to delve into this hilarious script alongside these extremely talented and dedicated artists. This cast has been supportive of one another and genuinely inspired to tell the story together.”

Hobbies outside of theater? “I spend a lot of my time working for performing arts organizations who offer music education and therapy. I sing a lot, enjoy cycling, barre classes, skiing, crossword puzzles, walks with friends, happy hours, live music, dogs and lake life with family.”

Favorite past shows/roles? “Bright Star, Ragtime”

Why should folks see Hello, Dolly? “It’s a ridiculously funny cast of characters, a hilarious story with a fantastic musical score presented by some very talented musicians.”

Thanks Ann! 👏

Get your tickets today: https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Introducing Lauren Wills (Irene Molloy)

Favorite song in the show? “So Long, Dearie… I’ve also got to put Motherhood March in. It’s not in the movie, so not many people know it going in, and it’s pure ridiculous fun.”

Favorite part of working on the show (so far)? “Having a great time with the cast and creative team behind the show! Watching the talent, intelligence, creativity, kindness, and humor of the people involved with Hello Dolly! has been such a privilege.”

Hobbies outside of theater? “Outside theater I enjoy singing, twirling around, and making people laugh, so it’s nice to have a legitimate outlet for these pursuits. My friends and family join me in my gratitude. Other days I’ve been known to be throwing down on some ogres with my DnD groups, taking on big talkers at local pool tables, and trying to pet any cat that I happen upon.”

Favorite past shows/roles? “The favorites list includes classic roles in Shakespeare (Richard III, The Tragedy of King Richard III) and Molière (Elise, The Miser), modern classics by Caryl Chruchill (Marion Clegg, Owners) and Richard Greenberg (Phoebe Kidde, Eastern Standard), and musical roles from Sondheim (Cinderella, Into the Woods) and William Finn (Lisa, a.k.a. the homeless lady, A New Brain). I’ve also been lucky to be able to premiere new works from local writers and companies, and take on roles in short films and music videos. Standouts not yet mentioned include being a dancing nun, two times a murder victim, and...a mermaid!”

Why should folks see She Hello, Dolly? “See Hello, Dolly! if you’re someone who believes, or wants to believe, in joy, love, laughter, second chances, hope, and a dose of guileless fun. It’s an old school, big song musical that’s a celebration of life and what can be found when we choose to take a chance. I’ve loved Dolly since I was a kid and it’s because seeing it just makes me happy.”

Thank you Lauren! 🎉

Get your tickets today: https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Meet the incomparable duo of Cornelius (played by James Vair) and Barnaby (played by Mickey Van Drehle). They emote the exuberance and optimism of the time!

You won’t want to miss these talented performers this June in CCP’s production of Hello, Dolly!
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Introducing James Vair: James is overjoyed at the privilege of playing his dream role of Cornelius, having wanted to be in a production of Hello, Dolly! ever since first seeing the show in 2006. James works in Marketing for General Mills and has enjoyed being in other productions with 4CT, OBMT, SMCT and CVFT.

Introducing Mickey Van Drehle: Mickey Van Drehle is thrilled to be making his CCP debut in Hello, Dolly! Past performances include Bobby in Cabaret, Bert in Mary Poppins, Arpad in She Loves Me (all with 4CT). Mickey also made his directorial debut in March with Boeing Boeing.

Photo Credit: Camille Branham of BTE Media

CCP is excited to introduce the two fabulous women learning the role of Dolly for our upcoming production of Hello, Dolly! Get to know Margaret Reid and Amy Madson!

You can catch Margaret performing as Dolly on June 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23, and you can see Amy (understudying Dolly) performing as Dolly on June 16 and 20.

See performance and ticketing information here: https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/

Introducing the cast of Hello, Dolly!

Dolly – Margaret Reid
Dolly (understudy) – Amy Madson
Cornelius – James Vair
Barnaby – Mickey Van Drehle
Horace – David Dexter
Irene – Lauren Wills
Minnie – Hannah Cruzen
Ermangarde – Adelaide Meier
Ernestina – Ann Farrell
Ambrose – Alex Asp
Rudolph – Bryan O’Neil
Stanley – Anika Bradshaw
Mrs. Rose – Anna Werner
Judge – Benjamin Kruse
Dance Captain – Julia Zook
Ensemble – Andrew Buckholtz
Ensemble – Jill Felska
Ensemble – Hunter Goldsmith
Ensemble – Alison (Ali) Lundin
Ensemble – Sam Noh
Ensemble – Christine (CJ) Powers
Ensemble – Dennis Sanford
Ensemble – Mike Trost

Cross Community Players had its first rehearsal for Hello, Dolly! this evening.

Tickets are on sale now at crossplayers.org. You don’t want to miss this one. Performances are the third and fourth weekends of June at Town Green in Maple Grove.

We are seeking three additional female ensemble members. If interested, send your resume to [email protected]!

Hi friends of CCP. Tomorrow’s matinee performance of She Loves Me is sold out! Online tickets are no longer available. If you come without a ticket, your admission depends on ‘no shows’. Sorry for the inconvenience.

You only have three more chances to see She Loves Me! Tonight (April 4), Tomorrow (April 5), and Saturday (April 6). You will be delighted by the incredible talent of these performers! 🌹💌

Tickets: https://www.crossplayers.org/tickets/