Bringing Theater to a Maple Grove Backyard

On any given night, you'll find Jeremiah and Vanessa Gamble rehearsing scenes from their original shows in their dining room. 

"We love doing theater that's stripped down to its essentials," Jeremiah Gamble said. "You don't need a ton of props or a lot of money to tell a great a story."

With that simple theory the Minneapolis married couple has written and performed ten shows all over the state, including an annual stop in a relative's backyard (Greg and Lori Bunce) on Weaver Lake Road in Maple Grove.

"There is something so organic about performing in a backyard," Vanessa Gamble said. "We really enjoy bringing the community together, it's a lot of fun."

This year the show is "Kingdom Tale" the story of a young girl, Esther, who is on her way to becoming a queen. Along the way her faith is tested as a plot to destroy her family, and others like them, unfolds.

The Gamble's are the only two actors in the show, they portray 16 characters during the 75-minute performance.

"It's a funny show and there are a lot of costume changes," Vanessa Gamble said. "There have been a few times I've wandered on stage with the wrong hat on or something like that, but that's just all part of the fun of playing that many characters."

The Gamble's, who started their own company called Theater for the Thirsty more than a decade ago, are expecting a big crowd.  In year's past, more than 200 people have come out for each show.

"Theater can happen anywhere," Jeremiah Gamble said. "And when it's cold around here for nine months out of the year it makes sense that people enjoy taking in a good show outdoors."

If you're interested in seeing "Kingdom Tale" there are four shows - Aug. 4-5 and Aug. 10-11. All shows are at 7 p.m. All shows will be at 16938 Weaver Lake Road in Maple Grove. Guests should bring a chair or blanket, bug spray and a canned food donation for a local charity. 

For more information and directions check out Bunce Backyard Productions.

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