The Sauk’s ‘Cheaper By The Dozen’ opens over weekend

Home Culture The Sauk’s ‘Cheaper By The Dozen’ opens over weekend
The Sauk’s ‘Cheaper By The Dozen’ opens over weekend
The Sauk theater opened its 2022 season with “Cheaper by the Dozen.”

The Sauk theater opened their 2022 season with a classic for the whole family, “Cheaper By The Dozen.” 

“It felt like the right story, themes, and cast composition for this moment in the world,” Executive Director Trinity Bird said. 

The themes of friction between children growing up and the importance of well-spent time seemed especially important to today’s audience, he said. 

Meg Smith, a sophomore, agreed that “Cheaper By The Dozen” is an important show in the current political climate. 

“Its emphasis on strong families is a great message for today’s world,” Smith said. 

Brent Falke, a teacher at Hillsdale Academy, plays the role of Mr. Gilberth, the lead character. He has been acting in Sauk since early 2000, and enjoys the community surrounding the theater. 

“I think it’s such a treasure to have in our little community. It’s such a wonderful chance to be in shows and meet new people from all over the county,” he said.

Two of Falke’s children are also performing in the show. They decided to audition after reading the book. 

“While this is my fourth show with my son, Parker, my daughter, Sadie, has not gotten to be in a play since her first-ever play opened and closed the same night due to Covid. It’s fun to watch her be on stage and enjoying every minute of it,” he said. “My real kids get to play my kids in the show and the show’s message is all about saving time for what’s important in life, so there are some very poignant moments for me personally up on stage.”

Although the 16-person production was originally scheduled for the 2018 season, the Sauk postponed it after acquiring another title. It was only recently chosen as a part of this season’s schedule.

“[‘Cheaper By The Dozen’] drives home the question of how we use our time,” Falke said. “I find this question to be very pertinent today when one thinks of how many ways we can be distracted from the important things due to our immediate and instant access to various forms of media.”

Upcoming performances are Feb. 10-12 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 55 and up, $10 for students with an ID, and $8 for children 12 and under.ciar