Edina Thespians Present Obscure Spring Musical

If you’ve ever wanted to see The Apple Tree, here’s your chance. 

The musical from the 1960s is being performed only five times in the entire country this year, one of those venues being the Edina Performing Arts Center this weekend. (Coincidentally, one of the other four performances is also this weekend at South St. Paul High School.)

“It’s a very obscure little musical that no one ever does,” Director Tony Matthes said.

So why do it?

Matthes said he enjoys doing different, fun things and stretching the Edina Thespians, for whom he has directed or co-directed more than 20 plays. Matthes was also intrigued by the unique musical, which starred Alan Alda and Barbara Harris in the original cast.

But perhaps it all boils down to this: Matthes said he listened to The Apple Tree’s music and thought, “Our kids could kill this.” 

And they do. 

There’s enough talent in this year’s troupe that they were able to tackle a musical that is essentially three productions in one, with a cast of 26 and several lead roles.  

The first, and longest act is The Diary of Adam and Eve, based on a story by Mark Twain. A 15-minute intermission separates the first and second act, which is based on Frank R. Stockton’s The Lady or the Tiger? A brief intermission will be held between the second act and the third, based on Jules Feiffer’s Passionella.

The three stories span a wide timeframe—the beginning of humanity to the 1960s—and vary in tone and artistic expression. They are tied together, however, by a common warning: be careful what you wish for, and some shared references as well.

Reed Mosimann, a senior, plays Eve. The end of her high school theater career and fast approaching college experience are leaving her with mixed emotions. Mosimann will be attending the University of Minnesota in the fall.  

"It’s bittersweet," Mosimann said. "I’ve been doing theater all through high school and I’ve had such a great experience with it. It’s sad and exciting at the same time."

Mosimann said it truly brings to light the realization that, while college will bring plenty of great experiences, her high school years are coming to a close.

"It almost gives you more energy to give it your all and make the most of your final experience," Mosimann said.    

Senior Maria DePesa, who plays Princess Barbara in The Lady or the Tiger? will be attending the University of Minnesota Duluth next year to pursue a degree in musical theater. 

“I’m really excited,” DePesa said. 

And not too sad yet, as DePesa has one more show to perform this school year—a one-act musical at the Black Box Theatre in May with fellow senior Will Lidke.

Your opportunity to see this year’s spring musical begins Thursday evening, with the show closing Saturday night.