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Our Cast is made up of men and women from all walks of life. They've worked as teachers, laborers, business people; raised families and spent time in military service to our country. Their common thread is a desire to be involved in an activity that would provide a means for them to experience the thrill of using their talents to entertain others. The success of the show is a result of their combined efforts.Originally begun in 1987 at Central Lakes College, the Geritol Frolics came to the stage of Franklin Arts Center in 2004 as the result of a revival effort by former cast members after the show was discontinued by the college in 2001. Director Ed Yunker and his wife, Yvonne, write the show and generally conduct the business of putting the show together. Yvonne serves as costume designer and is a member of the dance line.
Lynn Olson contributes to the writing of the show and is director of a five-piece orchestra. He brings a wealth of musical experience from his earlier days in dance bands. He currently serves as choir director and accompanist for his church. His wife, Bonnie, is a member of the Geritol Frolics chorus.
An all-volunteer cast gives their time and talents for costume and set construction as well as for entertaining. The Geritol Frolics is a non-profit organization operating under the auspices of Brainerd Community Education, ISD 181.
Ed Yunker; Producer, DirectorA native of Crosby, MN, Ed has been in the area since his discharge from the US Navy in 1961. He has been involved in area theatrical productions since 1972 when his first audition landed him the role of J. Pierpont Finch in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". Over the years he has been involved in many productions; among them, Stanley Kowalski in "Streetcar Named Desire", Gaylord Ravenal in "Showboat", Daddy Warbucks in "Annie" and the King in "King and I". In 1987 he became a 'techie' for the newly formed Geritol Frolics working behind the scenes until joining the Cast as a performer in 1995 at the age of 56. Production of the show was discontinued in 2001.
Instrumental in putting the show back on stage in 2004 at Franklin Arts Center, Ed gives credit for whatever success he has had in that role to having worked with and learned from a number of very good Directors over the years. He credits the success of the show to the dedication and hard work of the talented people in the Cast.
Ed and his wife, Yvonne, co-writer of the show, live in Brainerd and have eight children and 12 grandchildren.
Instrumental in putting the show back on stage in 2004 at Franklin Arts Center, Ed gives credit for whatever success he has had in that role to having worked with and learned from a number of very good Directors over the years. He credits the success of the show to the dedication and hard work of the talented people in the Cast.
Ed and his wife, Yvonne, co-writer of the show, live in Brainerd and have eight children and 12 grandchildren.
Yvonne Yunker; Co-Writer, Costume Designer, Dancer
Yvonne first became involved with theatre in the mid-50's at Brainerd Junior College. She joined the Geritol Frolics in 1994 after some tragic personal experiences because it offered an opportunity to re-connect with the pleasure of being on stage and a chance to meet new people and make new friends. "This show offers so much to anyone 55 years or over who is willing to put forth the effort. The really nice part is they don't have to be a star quality performer to get a moment in the spotlight."
In 2004, she assumed the roles of co-writer (with her husband Ed) and costume designer for the revival effort to put the show back on stage and was thrilled to be able to be a member of the dance line. She is glad to be able to give back to the show and is looking for a successful, long-running future for the Geritol Frolics. Like Ed she credits the success of the show to the wonderful people who have been given their time and worked so diligently to keep it alive and vibrant.
She and Ed live in Brainerd on one of the area's lakes. They have eight children and twelve grandchildren.
In 2004, she assumed the roles of co-writer (with her husband Ed) and costume designer for the revival effort to put the show back on stage and was thrilled to be able to be a member of the dance line. She is glad to be able to give back to the show and is looking for a successful, long-running future for the Geritol Frolics. Like Ed she credits the success of the show to the wonderful people who have been given their time and worked so diligently to keep it alive and vibrant.
She and Ed live in Brainerd on one of the area's lakes. They have eight children and twelve grandchildren.
Lynn Olson;
Pianist, Music DirectorLynn is a Brainerd Area Native who returned "home" in 2003 after living in Alexandria for 29 years. He is a retired Douglas County Engineer still in pursuit of a life-long love of music. Lynn and wife, Bonnie, have three adult children, all involved in church music programs. He played piano and accordion in several Brainerd area dance bands, as he puts it, "a long time ago". He has served as organist and choir director at the South Long Lake and Osakis Presbyterian Churches and is currently choir director at First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd. Lynn and Bonnie, who sings in the chorus, were instrumental in getting the show back on stage in 2004 and are pleased with its success.