The Sheboygan Theatre Company announces that it will kick off the 2008-2009, Seventy Fifth Anniversary Season, which is sponsored by The Stefanie H. Weill Charitable Fund and Acuity for the Arts, with a special Independence Day presentation. Sponsored by the City of Sheboygan, the production will be presented completely free of charge on Friday, July 4^th, at 4:00 p.m. at the Fountain Park Band Shell. No tickets will be issued or required.

This year’s ninth annual July 4^th production is totally appropriate for the day that celebrates the founding of our American freedoms and is directly related to the Sheboygan community. Written by Director of Theatre Ralph Maffongelli, Sixties–Hippies–Secret War- Hmong is an original piece explaining the role played by the Hmong during the Viet Nam era as they fought the Secret War in Laos. As audience members are reminded of famous historical and pop culture events of the turbulent sixties and early seventies, they will be told the full story of the brave Hmong who saved the lives of an untold number of American soldiers.

Mike Roehl will appear as the CIA agent who narrates the story, while Ellen Cheney, Dirk R. Milsted and Peter Moody are newscasters announcing headlines of the period. Meanwhile variety show hosts Veronica Hilke, Eric R. Johnson and Sarah Pittner recall entertainment highlights of the time.

Dramatizing the war itself and interspersed with the dialogue are silent scenes performed by a mime troupe consisting of Neil Beaton, and Theatre Company newcomers Paul Lor, Tzong Lor, Vang Moua, Hnou Thao, Bai Xiong and Charles Xiong. Others making their debut are Nia Xiong, Mai Yee Yang, Mai Gao Yang, Meng Yang, Michael Yang, Pa Ying Yang and Papour Yang, while Tina Yang, who has performed with the Sheboygan Theatre Company previously, completes this group.

Directed by Ralph Maffongelli who is assisted by Yer Yang, Sixties–Hippies–Secret War- Hmong features a set created by the Theatre Company's resident technical director/designer, Dustin L. Uhl. Joyce Nery has designed the costumes and Dave Steinmeyer the sound effects. Nan Gibson is the properties master, while Lee J. Schneider is master carpenter and Colleen Bertram the master painter.

In conjunction with the performance the Sheboygan Theatre Company will have a stand at Fountain Park featuring brats, hamburgers, soft drinks, pop corn, etc. Food service will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day. In the event of inclement weather the 4:00 p.m. show will be presented at Horace Mann Middle School.