By Rapids City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre (WRCT) summer production of HOPO’s “The History of Dating” will hit the stage at the WRCT, 220 Third Ave. South, Wisconsin Rapids, Aug. 3-4.

“It centers around two professors giving a lecture about the history of dating,” said youth coordinator, Stephanie Hoerth. “They go through chronological order, from cave people to ancient Rome and the Wild West, through the 1920s, 50s, etc. all the way to current times. And as they travel through, the rest of the cast reenacts those scenes. It is very funny, full of puns and silly humor, plus some physical comedy and a few dance numbers. There’s literally something for everyone.”

This is the 10^th anniversary for HOPO, as Hoerth directs a cast of 43 youth, ages 8-18, in a complicated production.

“The biggest challenge has been some of the historical references that had to be explained to the kids for them to do their part correctly,” she explained. “Also, there are over 90 roles, so casting the show was tricky because we had to get the combinations just right, but also had to make sure they weren’t in back to back scenes or anything because of all the crazy costume changes. Also, the 80s scene was tricky because they had to learn a whole bunch of 80s songs that many were not familiar with.”

The productions take place Aug.3 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 4 at 2 p.m.

To purchase tickets, visit wrctheatre.org or call 715-421-0435