Submitted by Lori Peterson, Spring Valley Stagehands
SPRING VALLEY, WI – The Spring Valley Stagehands Theatre celebrated its 40th year of bringing the magic of the theatre arts to this region all year long in 2025. It was wonderful to take the time to celebrate and to recognize the community that supports our fully volunteer organization. Here’s a brief look back at our year. After a very successful holiday season of the annual Community and Children’s Choirs concerts (directed by Cindy Kongshaug) and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (directed by Liz Erickson), January through March found the Stagehands in rehearsal for the large cast musical Passion of the Christ, directed by Luke Hayes.
Passion of the Christ played to sold out shows for the two weekends in April preceding Easter. Summer found the Stagehands rehearsing for the September production of Cheeseheads, the Musical, directed by Lori Peterson. Cheeseheads, the Musical was another crowd pleaser!
September also brought Dam Days and the annual Stagehands Folliez show. During the Folliez, history and stories of the early Stagehands Days were shared. Especially memorable was the attendance of special guests Ken and Joan Kratt, founders of the Stagehands. Laughter roared as Gary Lukes shared some of Ken’s most notable moments and attributes.
The Stagehands and the community have the Kratts to thank for having a vision of what community theatre in Spring Valley could be, and making it come to life. We are proud to continue their legacy.
In October, Cindy Kongshaug and Danielle Colbenson began rehearsals for the Midnight Clear holiday Community and Children’s Choir Concerts.
Also, during October, Ann Turner began rehearsals for the Christmas play, Christmas Belles. Both of these holiday events played to large audiences.
December 2025 also found the Stagehands recognized by the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce as honorary Christmas in the Valley Tree Lighters.
Here’s what we have planned (and already in the works) for 2026: March 20-22, 27-29 – Passion of the Christ; mid-June – The Secret Garden musical; September – Folliez; and December – holiday concert and play.
There may be one or two other surprises in store as well so please watch our website. We are very blessed to live and play in a community that celebrates and supports the arts and want you to know that we plan to be around for at least another 40 years! Website: svstagehands.org; Facebook: svstagehands.
