Meat of the Musical

 The musical was adorable and fun.  The singers were great (the dancing was good--some of it was a little rough--by September they'll either have completely given up or they'll be perfect) and they did some cover songs, but also some originals about North Dakota.  The North Dakota spirit burns in every one of us, even if you're not from North Dakota, as long as you have an American heart, and if you don't, screw you.

I think I'm going to hit up the auditions next year.

Anyway, it wasn't a musical in the traditional sense, but rather a bunch of songs and dances tied together with the theme of Teddy Roosevelt's America, and the past, present, and future of the American West.  Also inner tubes and fake mustaches, because these are the most American of things.  The actors were super charming, and they worked their tails off.  I OFFER YOU MAD PROPS, FRIENDS.

It was kind of weird because Queen of the West would often be standing off to the side during the numbers, clapping and gyrating along, kind of blank faced.  Some serious children of the corn palace business there. (We imagined that she stumbles into her trailer at the end of the show with her makeup running down her face screaming "I'M QUEEN OF THE WEST!" to whichever poor crew person or actor gets in her way.)

 The songs were bracketed by stupid magic by Bill (sorry Bill) but the crowd's demographic was elderly people and small children, who seemed to enjoy it so there you go.  Always know your audience.  Which leads us to the featured attraction.