MINNEAPOLIS — Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to announce the cast for the world premiere production of “Spamtown, USA,” written by Philip Dawkins and directed by Will Davis.

“Spamtown, USA” is a portrait of Austin, Minnesota, during the 1985 Hormel strike. While five kids dream of space camp, tennis teams, and out-of-state college, they find their families and community suddenly divided by picket lines and opposing agendas. This is the story of having the strength to stand up for what you believe in, the challenge that comes in disagreeing with those you love, and the humor that helps keep friendships alive.

“As the nation’s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences, Children’s Theatre Company makes work that is local, national, and international,” CTC Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius said in a press release. “One of our passions and priorities is to tell stories that spring from the Midwest. The events in Austin, Minnesota, were a critical part of Minnesota’s history and became a national story. However, what was never fully told was the story of the lives of the young people who lived in Austin during that time… Our playwright interviewed around 25 people who were children living in Austin at the time of the events and five others who were adults during that time, in addition to extensive research. Our goal is not a documentary or an attempt to tell the full story, but instead to look at the reality of these young people as they face a situation that is so new, so difficult, and so surprising.”

“Spamtown, USA” runs Feb. 16 through April 5 on the Cargill Stage and is recommended for everyone ages 9 and up. Ticket prices range from $15 through $71 (subject to change) with ACT Pass tickets for $5. For more information, visit childrenstheatre.org or call the ticket office at 612-874-0400.

Cast

Dean Holt – Mr. Bolton

Autumn Ness – Mrs. Bolton

Dan Hopman – Mr. Olsen

Sandra Struthers – Miss Berg

Reed Sigmund – Scott’s Dad

Maureen Sherman-Mendez – Scott’s Mom

Marcelo Mena – Scott Olsen

Zachary Sullivan – Travis Olsen

Isabella Spiess – Jude Olsen

Malia Berg – Carol Bolton

Arden Michalec – Amy Bolton