Submitted Photo Minot resident Zeb Wallace spent last summer working in a variety of backstage roles at the Medora Musical, but will be taking center stage as one of the hosts of the legendary musical’s 60th anniversary season.

“The Greatest Show in the West” is celebrating its 60th anniversary this summer, but the Medora Musical will have some Magic City flavor this year with the announcement that Minot resident Zeb Wallace will serve as co-host.

Wallace has visited Medora frequently since he moved to Minot to work in the History Department as a geography instructor at Minot State University. He auditioned for the Medora Musical last year, but didn’t make the cut. However, he jumped at the chance to still work in Medora as the Old Town Hall Theater manager, and worked in a variety of other roles giving backstage tours and with the stage crew.

“I was kind of everywhere, and met a lot of people. I kept saying, ‘Next year, I want to be in it.’ I thought maybe I could be one of the host roles,” Wallace said. “So I reached out to the casting director and asked if they were going to be doing auditions for the host. I submitted my video and thought there was no way this was going to happen. Two weeks later they called me and offered it to me. I almost died. This can’t be real.”

Wallace said he appreciates the small town feel and community that develops around the musical as much as the gorgeous surroundings. Wallace said those same qualities are present here in Minot and in the many artistic opportunities available in the community.

A lifelong performer, Wallace said he leapt at every opportunity he could, from community theater to learning to play saxophone for a beginners’ community band.

“It’s been wonderful. The university has been super supportive of me working in Medora as well. That’s been really nice to get to do the best of both worlds. Also being involved in the Western Plains Opera has been amazing. I’d never thought there’d be so many opportunities for the arts here in Minot,” Wallace said. “People who say there’s nothing to do here, where are you looking? I’m very lucky to be able to perform here too”

Wallace said he’s still pinching himself about getting the role at the Medora Musical, but is incredibly honored and excited to be a part of it. Wallace and his fellow co-host Felicity Jemo will serve as the storytellers bridging the various musical acts.

“I’m really looking forward to getting there and getting started with it and being able to perform. It’s a joy to perform in front of all these people and get to tell this story. Seeing people that I know that I worked with last year, and getting to be in the Badlands,” Wallace said. “I joke that I get to perform every day, because I’m in the classroom. Whether you feel like it or not, whether you feel well or not, you have to have energy to bring to the classroom. I think that has prepared me a lot.”