Category Archives: 2024-2025 Season

DOT DOT DOT: A NEW MUSICAL Thursday, November 21, 2024

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association will present TheaterWorksUSA’s, DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical  based on the Creatrilogy series of books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds – The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color. DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical will be presented during the school day on Thursday, November 21 at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson.

Elementary aged children from several area school districts including Stevens Elementary, Appleton-Milan Elementary, Madison-Marietta-Nassau Elementary, Deuel Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Ramsey Elementary, James Knoll Elementary, Canby Elementary and St. Edward Catholic School will be in attendance at the two student performances in Dawson. Our sincere appreciation to event sponsor Madison Dental Clinic—Brandon Ulstad DDS for their support of this exclusive student production.

DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical is an exciting new musical based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds- The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. Adapted by Composers Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, the musical, like the series, celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected. When Marisol (Sky Color), a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her own art, her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti (The Dot), whose dots inspire Ramon (Ish) to become an artist in his own right. The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar. Recommended for grades 1 through 5.

Based on the Creatrilogy series of books by Peter H. Reynolds, DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical  is written and composed by Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, with original direction and choreography by Jesca Prudencio, scenic design by Riw Rakkulchon, and costume design by Johanna Pan.

Purchase the Creatrilogy series of books at thedotcentral.com

THEATERWORKSUSA (Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director; Michael Harrington, Executive Director) has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. At TWUSA, we believe that access to art—and theater, in particular—is vital for our youth. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals. Acclaimed alumni include Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Disney’s Frozen), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent), Jerry Zaks (The Music Man), Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen), Miguel Cervantes (Hamilton), Kathleen Chalfant (Angels in America), and Chuck Cooper (Tony award-winning actor, The Life). WWW.TWUSA.ORG

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association exists to strengthen and inspire its community by presenting a wide variety of quality visual and performing arts for participants of all ages at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson, Minnesota. This non-profit organization is currently in its 24th performing arts season.

Upcoming Show November 8: Brulé at Memorial Auditorium

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents A Native American Experience in Sight, Soul and Sound featuring the award-winning Native American music group Brulé. The group is best known for thrilling audiences with a mergence of cultural rock and theatrical instrumentations.  Now in their 20th season, Brulé’s national performances carry the same contagious excitement as Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Celtic Thunder and Riverdance—but with the emotional impact of the American Indian culture.

This electrifying show consists of a 5-piece rock ensemble augmented with an array of traditional Native American instrumentation. Paired with the stunning steps of one of the top Native American dance troupes, their authenticity brings a multi-dimensional art form to this cultural rock opera. The musical journey of founder, Paul LaRoche, adds an affecting story to the performance.

 Brulé’s time in Dawson will include a special performance for local students during the school day in addition to the evening public concert. This activity is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Event sponsors are Farmers for Dawson, Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home, Ken Sather Construction/Sather Building Supply, Lac qui Parle Soil & Water Conservation District and Odden & Zimbelman TV & Appliance & Sleep Center. Seasonal beverages from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby.

Admission to the 7pm Friday evening performance at Memorial Auditorium is $40 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets are currently available online o or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

Upcoming show Oct 26: The Waddington Brothers to perform at Memorial Auditorium

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents a unique bluegrass and gospel performance featuring The Waddington Brothers at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson on Saturday, October 26 at 7:00pm.

The Waddington Brothers will take you on a journey through the heart of the American West sharing heartfelt songs that evoke feelings of warmth, appreciation and a genuine connection to the way life was lived by our country’s pioneers. The quartet of brothers hailing from North Dakota skillfully blends cowboy and hard-driving bluegrass music with more mellow gospel acoustical tunes to create a style that’s timelessly classic, yet refreshingly new and unique.

While the four brothers’ performing experience together traces back to 2004, the band officially came together as The Waddington Brothers in 2019. The band has earned numerous awards including taking first place at the 2023 International Bluegrass Band Competition in Nashville, Tennessee. Their sound is powerfully different and something that can only be created by four brothers with such an authentic synergy and blend.

Event sponsors are Peggy Crosby and Dave Pederson. Beverages from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby. Admission to the concert is $25 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets are currently available online or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

Upcoming show Oct 5: launching 24th season with JoJo Green “Pop-Fusion” Concert

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association announces the opening concert of its 24th performing arts season with a concert by JoJo Green during Meander Weekend on Saturday, October 5 at 7:00pm at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson.

St. Paul indie fusion quintet, JoJo Green is a well-oiled machine that boasts a big, energetic, uniquely authentic sound. With strong influences from Motown, Muscle Shoals and The Summer of Love, JoJo Greene gives a nostalgic feeling to a fresh and exciting sound. Audiences are mesmerized by JoJo Green’s powerful vocals mixed with agile woodwinds, shredding guitars, funky bass and driving drums: a surefire crowd pleaser!

“Pop-Fusion” is JoJo Green’s own brand of combined Americana musical styles including Funk, Soul, Jazz, Country and Rock. It’s like a potluck for your ears and has something for every listener. By mixing styles, JoJo Green continuously challenges themselves to be the best musicians possible.

Event sponsors for this concert are Pioneer PBS and Meander Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl. Beverages from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets for the concert are currently available online or through the box office at 320-312-2311. Concert tickets will also be available at the door.