A Wop Bop A Loo Bop was brought to the Dassel-Cokato area by the Dassel-Cokato High School’s theater program. DC has a reputation for amazing productions. A Wop Bop A Loo Bop was held in the Performing Arts Center on November 11, 12, 13, and 14th. The turnout was impressive, including people of all ages, friends, family, and strangers. We even had some people from the Hutchinson theater program come to one of our shows.

A Wop Bop A Loo Bop is a 50s-60s musical that is like a cross between Hairspray and Grease. It has the perfect ratio of romance, comedy, and drama. When Ruby, played by Betsy Gallagher, and Gary, played by Dylan Tessmer, performed the last scene of Act 1, Up on the Roof, the audience fell in love with the couple. The dance contest brought laughter from every mouth. Rick Parks, played by George Smith, has a unique and strong personality the audience could not ignore. 

Opening night was nerve-racking. The cast jitters could have shaken Mt. Everest but it was what we needed because the show was astonishing.  The crowd was engaged, laughter filled the PAC, cheers echoed after every dance, song, and scene. After final bows, the common area outside the theater boomed with congratulatory voices, proud family, and cast. 

When mistakes were made we easily got back on track and the audience had no idea. Often audience members would comment on how astonishing the dances looked. Their favorite collectively was Land of 1000 Dances. Judy, the main dancer for the show, played by Jessica Workman blew everyone away with her dancing skills when she taught us The Judy.  The pit orchestra really brought the Bop in A Wop Bop A Loo Bop. Directed by Dassel-Cokato 7-12 Band Director, Jake Pavia, the colorful sounds of our favorite 50s music bounced around the auditorium, making every foot dance just a little. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our tech team. They made sure the whole musical ran smoothly.

The last show brought tears to the cast's eyes as they realized it was the last time this classic would be played. Reid Wilson, who played Chester Lester, wrote a motivational speech that he shared with the cast. Ending with ‘Will you be there?” and the rest of us yelling “We’ll be there!”. Betsy Gallagher made almost everyone cry with her personal speech, where she individually talked to every member of the cast.  All of the seniors are beloved by the cast, and we are sad to see them leave. The final performance may have been the best of all. Congratulations cast, we went out in a boom!

Contact the Auditorium Manager regarding technical questions:Auditorium Manager
Tyler Meyer
(320) 286-4100
Technical Documents for Reference:
Fly System Line Set