The event was a regular gathering of old thespians for a dramatic reading of Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabbler,” a lengthy but worthwhile play from the late 1800s. Stroke therapists told Stan to challenge himself with new things and this was certainly it for someone who hasn’t taken a part since Sir Joseph Porter of the “HMS Pinafore,” in eighth grade — unless you count being in the chorus in the 1967 Concordia College Production of “Camelot,” with but one line (which was performed with perfection nightly): “There he is!”
High School chum Betty Larson invited Stan to drive up and join the unnamed group of players to take the part of George Tesman, the boring husband of Hedda Gabler — Betty’s role, well played. Charlie and Mary hosted the group in their beautifully restored lodge on the shores of Lake Agnes in Alexandria, spreading a buffet luncheon for the reunion of former classmates and others with plenty to talk about.
