It’s Not Goodbye!

Longtime company members Brandt Roberts and Elizabeth Dunn will be moving to the Twin Cities in July. In their own words they each reflect on their time here:

Elizabeth Dunn:

It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. You can’t say goodbye to a place like this. As one of the most beautiful towns in bluff country, Lanesboro has a premier professional theatre company, a rails-to-trails track offering over 60 miles of biking, an arts center that supports both emerging and established artists, with the scenic Root River winding through the driftless region, and . . . . So. Much. More. When I came to the Commonweal in 2015, I was simply hoping for a place to be stationary for a while. (The life of an actor can be nomadic.) I never dreamt that not only would I meet my fiancé, Brandt, but that I would enter such a loving, creative, and supportive community. The experiences I’ve had at the Commonweal are immeasurable, and the people I’ve met will hopefully be friends for life. Yeah, you don’t leave a place like this, you carry it with you. So, “see you later.”

Abbie Cathcart, Brandt, and Elizabeth in "Charley's Aunt."
Brandt Roberts: 

Similar to Elizabeth, I’ve started saying “auf wiedersehen” instead of “goodbye.” It feels less final…and more German. The Commonweal and Lanesboro have been my home for eight years. When I first saw Karl Unnasch’s art installation throughout the theatre lobby, I knew I belonged. I am beyond blessed to have lived and worked with such an incredible company and community. You are my extended family. There are too many memories to recount and people to thank. My emotions are mixed: excitement for what lies ahead and sorrow for what I leave behind. When I came here, I longed for an artistic home, and I found one. Until we meet again. Much love to you all.  

Below are photos from some of the wonderful shows they’ve been in together:

You don’t leave a place like this, you carry it with you.”

 —Elizabeth Dunn

9 Comments
  1. Thanks to you two brilliant actors for sharing part of your life with us in Lanesboro. You will be missed but wish you the best of luck in your new location.

  2. Oh my gosh, I will miss you both. You are two of my very favorite among all these excellent actors. You can be hilarious, but I’ll never forget Brandt’s superb performance as the Elephant Man. Thank you for all you’ve given to the Commonweal!

  3. You both will be missed! Best of luck with your new adventures!

  4. We will miss you but you will be in our hearts 💕 for ever.
    Merci et au revoir.

  5. Much love and gratitude for you both. Enjoy your new adventures.

  6. We have enjoyed the Commonweal and all of the Apprentices for so many years. Wish we were able to keep going but do follow on Facebook. Always amazed at the skill levels of the apprentice members, and have known many in a more personnal way. Hard to believe you both have been there so long. Wishing you the best for the future and know you can contribute to the theatre scene anywhere.

  7. Aww. It’s sad to hear you are departing for a while. I loved you both, but have to confess Brandt was my favorite after seeing him in The Elephant Man. What a fantastic performance he gave. My life changed a lot along with Covid and I haven’t been able to join you for 3 years and I’ve really missed you all. But my husband died and I live in assisted living in Winona. Best wishes to both of you and have a happy life together.

  8. Sorry to see you go! We have loved your performances and wish you the best in your new endeavors!

  9. The comment about family, the feeling is mutual. I will miss you both. Whether it’s passing you on the trail or seeing you on stage. Your performances have brought me much joy. Your amazing talent is why we go to the theatre. Best to you both in Minneapolis. You will win their hearts there too.

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