The Platinum Players Theatre Group at The Center
Did you know that the Platinum Players theatre group has been an important part of The Center for over a decade? It’s true!
Kathy Tusa and Diane Saumer Guidi were two of the original members, and Dorothy Splittgerber joined the cast around ten years ago. Hubby, Mike, joined Dorothy as a Platinum Player around five years ago years later.
Jana Hansen has been a member of the Platinum Players since 2019, with her first production being Code of the West. She was actively involved in all Platinum Players productions until leaving for Marshall from 2023–2024. During that time, she returned to fill in for missing cast members in Ten O’clock News (2024) and Joe’s Corner Bar (2023) and later rejoined the group. In addition, she wrote the script for Hee Huh? in 2022, and the play It’s in the Cards was written by her as well.
Marge Brauns, Roger Bednar, Ginger Kopp, and Norma Hudson are the newest members of the group.
Over the years, the members have come and gone. Past members include Nick Reindl, Art Treague, Retha Hawley, Ed Yunker, Don Ausland, Dave Runberg, Pat Scott, Nancy Skoog, Vicki Gable, Paula Brunt, Pauline Jacobs, Jan Almquist, Pat Von Guilder, Cate Knoll, Scott Larson, Sue Kreuger, and Bruce Tollefson. Behind-the-scenes cast members include Dave Hansen and Chris Dobson.
Kathy and Diane have been in all of the plays performed by the group since the group’s inception. They have both either written or co-written most of the group’s plays and directed many of them as well.
Even during COVID, we did our best to bring joy to our members through the Platinum Players,” Kathy noted. “Since we couldn’t have sit-down meals during the pandemic like we would normally have, we would prepare meals and hand them out outside the building. And of course, we had to dress up!”
“When we find a play on the internet that we are inspired by, we use that to create something new that fits our needs,” Diane added.
The group has also traveled with the plays, performing as a fundraiser for The Center, in Crosslake businesses, and for many years at Forestview School in the fall.
“Everyone gets involved in producing the writing and directing when they want to, and we love what we do,” Diane shared.
When asked “what’s next?” the group shared that they plan to rework and perform the past play, Hee HUH? This performance is a spoof of the iconic TV show Hee Haw, and will include funny skits, joke tellers, and singers. The Platinum Players are always looking for new talent, so be sure to connect with either Kathy or Diane if you are interested.
