I was fortunate enough to travel back to Spring Valley, Minnesota from Orlando, Florida for the final two performances of ‘Fade to Black’. Last night was a big success. More than 180 people attended, up from 152 the prior night and 102 on Opening Night. Despite the hot and humid temperatures (upper 80s, low 90s) in Spring Valley, people came out to learn about the disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit – and they brought questions.
The audience had some great questions for our team after the performance.
The performance started at 7:30 with a welcome from Brave Community Theatre Director Debi Neville. The lights darkened and Jodi Huisentruit (played by Sarah Kohn) emerged to begin the story of her last days through excerpts of her personal journal.
The first act, ‘The Disappearance’ walked the audience through the weekend Jodi went water-skiing prior to her disappearance, her various run-ins with viewers, admirers, possible-stalkers and those closest to her. The talented Brave Community Theatre cast members played several roles throughout the performance capturing the persona of friends, colleagues, rivals and more.
The first act lasted about just over an hour. A 20-minute intermission allowed attendees to enjoy some lemonade and (delicious) cookies and ask questions and converse with our team about several theories surrounding Jodi’s disappearance.
The cast of Brave Community Theatre’s production of “Fade to Black” are ready to present the play about Jodi Huisentruit from June 27 to 30. In front, from left, are George Colbenson, Patrick Cunnngham and Debi Neville. In back are Aleta Capelle, Debi Neville, Bonnie Austin, Gary Peterson, Sarah Kohn, Linda Niemeyer, Sam Gove, Roger Svebakken and Kelvin Niemeyer.
The second act, “The Investigation” was chalk full of information related to persons of interest, leads and much more from our FindJodi.com, Inc. investigation. It illustrates how we initially got into the investigation by responding to a psychic’s advertisement for a free review of any case of our choosing.
The cast effectively delivered dates, times and actions the authorities took in their investigation in the case early on and proceeded to illustrate the growing frustration from the community, family and friends at a lack of progress in finding the abductor(s).
The performance wrapped just after 9:00 p.m. and the audience quickly jumped into questions for the cast and for our team. The questions asked were very good and came from all ages. I had one, sweet little girl in one of the back rows ask ‘if anyone ever saw a license plate’. It was a good question, but sadly, no one ever did. Questions lasted more than a half-hour and the night winded down.
Some attendees stayed after to ask even more questions. Many purchased former television news-anchor Beth Bednar’s book ‘Dead Air’ – The Disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit at a discounted price. Others donated to our cause by throwing a few bucks in our donation bowl – which is a giant help to our non-profit organization, FindJodi.com, Inc. I thank everyone dearly who did so. If you’d like to help us continue our mission, you can always donate here. Every dollar helps.
Joanne Nathe (Jodi’s sister), Kristen Nathe, Josh Benson and Tara Manis
And what made the night most special was the fact that Jodi’s sister Joanne Nathe and Joanne’s daughter Kristen were in the front row for the performance. It was great to catch up with them. They enjoyed the performance and we were so glad the made the trip from Long Prairie and the Twin Cities to be there and represent Jodi’s family. After all, our goal in solving this case is to help bring them closure and justice.
Tonight is shaping up the biggest night of the 4-night performance. If you haven’t purchased your tickets, there is still time. If you do attend tonight’s final performance, we’d like to thank you ahead of time for your support. And we’ll see you at 7:30. Please bring questions. Those interested in the case and who support our mission may be the final chance Jodi has for justice. Thanks for your support and we’ll see you at the show!
[+] If you attended a prior show, please leave a comment by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page. You can read comments there as well.
