Perpich Arts High School Musical Theater Ensemble Presents “Pop Up Musical”

May 12, 2025

In the style of VH1’s Pop-Up Video series (and perhaps even a bit of Mystery Science Theater 3000), the members of Company presented “Pop Up Musical”, an energetic variety show of Broadway musical hits on May 8 and 9, 2025. The performances were interspersed with informative “pop ups” throughout each number.

Members of Company presented “Pop Up Musical” on May 8 and 9, 2025

“I’m proud of how the show turned out and that audiences enjoyed it,” said Audrey Tuite (Musical Theater 2026). “As Kevin [Hohlstein] has said, the pop up musical is very difficult because it has so many moving parts and requires very specific timing but I think we pulled it off well. Lastly, I want to say how proud I am of the seniors and how grateful I am to have performed with them one last time. It’s been special to work with and learn from them. They are a great group of performers and I wish them the best for the future.”

Kevin Werner Hohlstein, Music Instructor, added his support for the performers. “I am so proud of the work the students did with this show. This type of show is really out of their regular theater format and they all rose to the occasion,” he said. “When I introduced this to the ensemble, I don’t think they knew how involved it would be to reimagine this show, especially with one of the originators as their instructor. However, when we were able to get it out of concept and creation-mode, they saw how it can be a fun way to perform. And when the audience reacted as enthusiastically as they did, they were able to trust even more and push in. It was great to see.”

Rebecca Bullen, Perpich Arts High School Principal, said, “I had the chance to see this group in action while they were workshopping scenes—they’re a strong ensemble, full of wit, commitment, and creativity.”

The concept for “Pop Up Musical” was first conceived for the Fringe Festival in 2012 by four long-time theater friends: Jennifer Eckes, Judi Gronseth, Kevin Werner Hohlstein, and Timm Holmly. The group toured the show in Minnesota and Wisconsin, delighting audiences in several communities. This production was the Perpich Arts High School take on the original concept.

Congratulations to all the artists and to their instructor for a great performance!