Isabella Harvey in Emporia State production of 'Don't Hug Me'

2017 Jun 19

Isabella Harvey of McPherson, Kansas, is part of the cast and crew presenting "Don't Hug Me" by Paul and Phil Olson.

It's the coldest day of the year in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota, when a slick karaoke salesman arrives at the bar and turns the locals' lives upside down. Bar owner Gunner Johnson, wants to sell the business and move to Florida. Clara, his wife and former Winter Carnival Bunyan Queen, wants to stay. Bernice Lundstrom, the pretty waitress, wants to pursue a singing career. Her fiance, Kanute Gunderson, wants her to stay home.

It's a battle of wills, and when a fast-talking salesman, Aarvid Gisselsen, promises to bring romance into their lives through the "magic" of karaoke, all heck breaks loose! It's "Fargo" meets "The Music Man" without the blood and the band.

Harvey, a senior theatre major, works in the scene shop.

The production is directed by Jim and Lindy Bartruff; the musical director is Anna Ryan.

"Don't Hug Me" runs June 28 through July 1 at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre located at 1301 Market Street.

For tickets, visit the Memorial Union Ticket Office or call 620-341-6378. Tickets are also available online at tickets.emporia.edu.