Ope! Don’t squeeze the Charmin! Can you believe we’re already on the fourth Let Me Be Frank Productions show of the 2025 season? “Don’t Squeeze the Charmin – This Show is Rated P&G” is here, and while that means we’re inching closer to the annual Christmas show, let’s not get ahead of ourselves — first, it’s time to soak in all the 70s fun! I had the chance to catch the final dress rehearsal on Wednesday, September 24th and was tapping my toes and grooving along all evening.
So, what’s this show all about?
Step back in time to the bright, bold aisles of a 1970s neighborhood grocery store where the staff at Sure Way are anything but ordinary. Meet Mr. Whipple, a Neil Diamond-loving store manager dreaming of becoming the new face of Procter & Gamble’s latest sensation — the irresistibly soft Charmin toilet paper. But squeezing the Charmin? Totally off limits. Plus, keeping his quirky bunch of Sure Way employees in line is a full-time job itself. From Pat the butcher to Frank the scheming bag boy, and the sassy checkout gals Lisa and Amy, this colorful cast navigates a looming corporate visit from Sarah Smile, the sharp-eyed P&G marketing executive. Auditions for the Charmin spokesperson spot turn into a wild showcase of outrageous slogans, antics, and awkward flirtations. Who will land the role? You’ll have to find out in our latest production. If you’re into vintage commercials, workplace laughs, or just good ol’ 70s vibes, this show’s got you covered — and it’ll leave you grinning ear to ear.
The opening of this show featured something we don’t see too often — a music number in front of the curtain featuring Frank Hermans immediately following his opening welcome speech. Then, halfway through, the curtain opened to reveal the set and Amy Riemer joined in for a duet. I can’t think of a time where a duet has opened the show? But perhaps I’m blanking on it. It kicked off the show with energy and the tune was one everyone could sing along to!
I wasn’t sure what to expect of Paul Evansen as Mr. Whipple, but I shouldn’t have been surprised he nailed the character — including the outfit (bow tie and all!) and the accent. Here’s another show where he was given a vastly different character from the last few he’s had — and he tackled it no problem. Then we have Sarah as Sarah Smile (you know…like the Hall & Oates song? ;-)). Sarah has played some BIG personalities this season, and this more demure, polite, and adept corporate professional was fun to see.
As the songs continued to be shared throughout the two-hour show, I noticed the intricate harmonies on full display with each tune. Sometimes I think the audience forgets or perhaps takes for granted that these harmonies are put together and assigned by Amy Riemer. She spends time and uses her vast musical knowledge every show to make sure the pieces fit together. She ensures each song has harmonies that elevate the lead vocalist and enhance the overall production value. Speaking of production value, Kelly Klaus, LMBF’s audio engineer extraordinaire must’ve been moving his hands all over the sound board all night to coordinate all the soloists (both vocal and instrumental!) and mix them.
The. Start. Of. The. Second. Act. I loved it! The extended moment of silence, the roaming of the “aisles” and the use of the shopping cart for Mr. Orchestra! I feel like it’s been a while since we’ve had a moment on stage with just the band and it was a great way to open the second half of the show. John’s vocals and guitar playing (plus the keys, drums and bass!) was on full display. Kudos, band!
The audition sequence was another favorite of mine. It gave the actors space to play, improvise, and go all out. Paul’s background music gag had me grinning, and Frank’s “commercial voice” was spot-on.
Near the end of the show, we had an especially beautiful moment as Lisa sang an emotion-filled Linda Ronstadt song alone on stage. The specific lighting effects by Ross Loining added to the mood of the song .
A few other highlights and favorite moments:
- Amy’s powerful voice was on full display in “Fantasy” — there’s something about 70s tunes that gives her the opportunity to show how she can simply SOAR vocally. And Tony’s keys solo in the song and the choreography gave it extra sparkle.
- Sarah – those low notes in “The Masquerade” WOW! What a hauntingly beautiful rendition.
- Lisa singing Michael Jackson?! Are you kidding me?! I’m here for it. And her audition sequence was delivered with such charm! The part where she was spouting off 70s gossip headlines from the National Enquirer was cute.
- I particularly enjoyed Pat’s fact giving character. He was like a human search engine or encyclopedia. That couldn’t have been the easiest script lines for him to memorize but he made it look easy. And his signature punch line made me chuckle all night (I won’t spoil it for you!).
- Paul’s seamless switch from Whipple’s quirky accent to smooth, husky vocals on “If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time.”
- Frank ending the show with “No Matter What” was fantastic and a perfect choice for him — until we had some electrical issues across all Downtown Green Bay! But as always, the show must go on, no matter what!
“Don’t Squeeze the Charmin – This Show is Rated P&G” is packed with clever characters, spot-on 70s music, and plenty of laughs. Head on down to the Meyer this fall and let the cast take you down memory lane – toilet paper jokes and all!
The show features: Amy Riemer (as a checkout girl), Lisa Borley (as a checkout girl), Sarah Galati (as the Sarah Smile, head of marketing at P&G), Pat Hibbard (as the butcher), Frank Hermans (as the bag boy), and Paul Evansen (as Mr. Whipple).
Band: John Singer (guitars), Pat Hibbard (bass), Tony Pilz (keyboards), Andrew Klaus (drums)
Lights: Ross Loining
Sound: Kelly Klaus
“Don’t Squeeze the Charmin – This Show is Rated P & G” runs:
Thursday, September 25th at 7:30pm
Friday, September 26th at 7:30pm
Saturday, September 27th at 7:30pm
Thursday, October 2nd at 7:30pm
Friday, October 3rd at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 4th at 7:30pm
Thursday, October 9th at 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Friday, October 10th at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 11th at 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Tickets are available at meyertheatre.org, ticketstaronline.com, or by calling Ticketstar at 920-494-3401. Doors open to the box office inside the Meyer Theatre for day of tickets one hour prior to each performance.
Our opening night performance TODAY, September 25th will be a benefit show for the Festival Foods Turkey Trot, benefiting the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club. For Thursday night’s performance, $10 of every sold ticket goes to this valuable organization in our community.
Two out of town performances will take place this fall. Join us at the Southern Door Community Auditorium on Sunday, September 28th at 3pm. More information can be found here: https://www.showclix.com/event/don-t-squeeze-the-charmin. We’ll also be in Manitowoc at the Capitol Civic Centre on Wednesday, October 8th for a 7pm performance. Tickets can be found here: https://cccshows.org/events/dont-squeeze-the-charmin-this-show-is-rated-pg/.
