Professional and community theaters offer an advantage over nearly all other performances. Instead of single or maybe two performances they usually set their schedules in "runs," with productions staged over several weeks or weekends.

This is truly an advantage for theater-goers here who missed the debut performances of Long Lake Theater Friday through Sunday. Long Lake Theater is a fledgling community theater and professional in terms of quality but actors are rewarded not with money but only with applause and their personal satisfaction.

The cast consists of two couples, who have been best friends for years. Each weekend they go out together for dinner and a "culture fix." This evening it is viewing Shakespeare's famous tragedy, "Hamlet." As they watch, their rather boisterous comments brings glares and shushes from other audience members imploring them to pipe down.

Leader of the foursome is Walter, the group's most culturally savvy member. Bill Jones, as Walter, gives a near perfect performance as an egotistical pedant, elitist Shakespearean critic, and the all-knowing intellectual who is always willing to answer the questions of his friends. The group of friends never recognize when Walter has his facts hilariously mixed up. The other male character is played by Dan Harris, who by design or serendipity resembled in size, facial expressions and voice the hilarious antics of Lou Costello (of Abbott and Costello fame).

In the next theater seat sits Walter's attractive wife Donna, played by Rhoda Jackson. Donna's philosophies of life are extracted from "her shows" (soap operas). Finally, the role of Stanley's wife, Margaret, is expertly filled by Juliann Kjenaas. She depends on gossip for sustenance and slips into depression if she isn't participating in a talking fix. The banter of the four newfound Shakespearean aficionados has a quick tempo and is funny every step of the way. See this show. The run continues Thursday through Sunday for the next two weeks.

As an extra treat, there will is a Sunday afternoon matinee, titled "Presenting Mark Twain." Bruce Bolton speaks for an hour, telling stories, jokes and homespun humor all originally written by the famous writer and humorist. From the bushy white hair, white suit and ubiquitous cigar, Bolton transforms himself into an exact replica of Twain.

The Park Rapids area is lucky to have this high quality theater in our midst. The owners have made a considerable investment of money and time. Take advantage of this opportunity for a night at the theater. You still have most of the run left to make the show fit your schedule.

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