Who’s ready for a drive down memory lane?
The next show in Let Me Be Frank Productions’ 2025 season — “Found My Thrill on Scray’s Hill “— is all about the 1950s and 1960s. As the title suggests, the show takes us to a particular spot in De Pere: Scray’s Hill. As someone who grew up in De Pere, I was curious to see how Frank Hermans would craft a show around this infamous local hangout, and I was especially excited to catch De Pere-isms and inside jokes about the place I consider my hometown. I had the opportunity to beat the heat and enjoy the show in the beautiful (and blissfully air-conditioned!) Meyer Theatre on Friday, July 25. And don’t forget, this season is generously sponsored by Diamonds & Gold Green Bay and Festival Foods 🙂
So, what’s this story all about? Well, welcome to Professor Scray’s class—where Sociology 101 is less about textbooks and more about hormones, hometown pride, and hilarious hijinks. When his classroom fills with a ragtag bunch of students—from a football jock and a wannabe priest to a 14-year-old prodigy and a sass-packed cheerleader—what starts as a simple social experience quickly spirals into a full-blown adventure. From classroom chaos to late-night mischief at the infamous make out spot known as Scray’s Hill, our latest all-original comedy is one you won’t want to miss. Will the students actually learn something, or just try not to get caught? With sharp wit, classic 60s tunes, and plenty of awkward charm, Found My Thrill on Scray’s Hill shares a spot where everyone knows your name…and probably your business, too.
Before the opening notes played, I knew (along with everyone else!) that the show would feature songs from the 1960s, with maybe a few nods to the 50s. For years, LMBF has often done a 50s or 60s show in the summer. While they’ve occasionally ventured into other decades—like the 1980s for “BayFest” in 2023—”Found My Thrill on Scray’s Hill” proves why this era continues to work so well for the troupe. Even though I wasn’t super familiar with every song, I found myself tapping my toes, bobbing my head, and smiling through the doo-wop harmonies. There’s something about summertime that makes these nostalgic tunes feel just right. I’m eager to see if LMBF continues dedicating their summer slot to this era of music in upcoming season lineups.
Speaking of music, anyone familiar with a Franks show knows the three main ladies come armed with BIG voices—and they delivered once again. Music from the 1950s doesn’t always allow for the vocal fireworks of the 1970s or 1980s, so I wondered if the song selections would give the women a chance to truly shine. I needn’t have worried. Their vocal skills, tone, and dynamic range were on full display. Amy Riemer’s performance of “Hurt” was a perfect example of this.
The show also featured something rare and refreshing: a female duet between Lisa Borley and Sarah Galati, as well as a duet between Amy Riemer and Pat Hibbard. Lisa and Sarah not only blended beautifully, but their sisterly chemistry and playful delivery made it feel authentic and fun. You could tell they’re more than just coworkers—they’re connected. And Amy and Pat’s duet? Wow. Their voices complemented each other perfectly, both powerful and filled with energy.
Visually, the show had a lot to offer as well. The costumes were thoughtfully cohesive, with a clear green-and-white motif in honor of the St. Norbert College setting. From skirts, dresses, and little white Keds, to Frank and Harrison’s matching pocket protectors and the band’s vintage-inspired polos, the attention to detail was evident and appreciated. I happened to be at the same show Bev Riemer (LMBF’s resident costumer) attended and was glad to hear her get a shout out as Frank introduced the cast and crew.
The set, while simple at first glance, became a visual treasure hunt as the show progressed—like flipping through an “I Spy” book. I loved the shift from the classroom scene in Act I (complete with old-school desks and chalkboard) to the “field trip” setting in Act II, with the outline of classic cars and a bonfire. And the blinking radio tower? A great touch. Well done, Ross Loining! (Confession: we were halfway through Act I before I even noticed the skeleton on stage. So maybe my detail-spotting needs work…)
A few other highlights and favorite moments:
- The background harmonies in “The Big Hurt” had a haunting quality that beautifully elevated Lisa Borley’s vocals. Later, her rendition of “Goody Goody” was pure joy—I would have happily hit rewind and watched it again.
- “Tweedle Dee” was a perfect fit for Amy Riemer. Her growling vocal phrasing paired with powerful belts showed off her versatility—not just from song to song, but within a single number. The same could be said for her performance of “Dynamite.” And let’s not forget the killer keys solo from Tony Pilz!
- Tom Verbrick had me cracking up as a theology student with less-than-holy behavior. He played the straight man in a way that was delightfully unexpected.
- I’ve seen Sarah Galati channel Rosemary Clooney in Frank’s Tribute Christmas shows, and she brought that same sultry jazz richness to “What a Difference a Day Makes.” Absolutely lovely.
- Pat Hibbard’s upright bass was a welcome addition. I vote we see “Big Beula” featured more often! Whether it’s a keytar or upright bass, I always enjoy seeing different instruments on stage.
- Andrew Klaus, drummer extraordinaire, had an unexpected but serious health situation during Thursday night’s performance. Unless I’d been told this, I wouldn’t have had a clue based on seeing his performance on Friday. His ability to return to the stage quickly and play flawlessly did not go unnoticed.
- I’ve known Harrison Hermans nearly his entire life, and it’s surreal having watched him go from a toddler at rehearsals to a confident, charming young man commanding the stage. His vocals were spot-on.
- Frank Hermans seemed completely in his element with these song selections. His years of doing Elvis tributes clearly inform his comfort and charisma with 1950s and 1960s tunes. I especially enjoyed how he opened Act II, pulling the audience right back into the story.
- “Oh Boy” by Pat Hibbard was a second-act standout. Even while stationary with the upright bass, he brought great energy. The guitar solo gave John Singer a well-deserved spotlight, and the tight vocal harmonies were delightful. Big shoutout to Kelly Klaus for outstanding sound mixing—it was crystal clear, with vocals and instruments in perfect balance. Maybe I was in the sweet spot of the Meyer, but it was one of the best mixes I’ve heard at a Franks show.
- As an alumna of both De Pere High School and St. Norbert College, I loved all the hometown references. I don’t always catch every city-specific joke in LMBF shows, but I was definitely on my A-game with this one!
With so many entertainment options in the Green Bay area during summer, “Found My Thrill on Scray’s Hill” is worth carving out time for. The cast and crew know how to make a story set 65+ years ago feel fresh, funny, and joyfully alive—with some seriously stellar music to top it off.
The show features: Amy Riemer (as music major college student), Lisa Borley (as student basketball player), Sarah Galati (as student cheerleader), Tom Verbrick (as theology student), Pat Hibbard (as student football player), Harrison Hermans (as 14-year-old college student), Frank Hermans (as Professor Scray).
Band: John Singer (guitars), Pat Hibbard (bass), Tony Pilz (keyboards), Andrew Klaus (drums)
Lights: Ross Loining
Sound: Kelly Klaus
“Found My Thrill on Scray’s Hill” continues:
Saturday, July 26th at 7:30pm
Thursday, July 31st at 7:30pm
Friday, August 1st at 7:30pm
Saturday, August 2nd at 7:30pm
Thursday, August 7th at 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Friday, August 8th at 7:30pm
Saturday, August 9th at 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, August 10th at 1:00pm
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.
