Bismarck teen is living the dream in Medora

A new season of the Medora Musical kicks off on Friday.

The first performance of this year’s Medora Musical is Friday at 7:30 p.m. MT. But the preparation for “The Greatest Show in the West” started weeks ago.

This is the first season for three of the 12 Burning Hills Singers.

Last year at this time, one of those singers was on stage getting his diploma from Bismarck High School. Now, he’s preparing to spend the summer on stage, fulfilling his childhood dream.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was about three years old,” said Tryton Landsiedel.

That’s when Landsiedel took the stage at the Medora Musical for the very first time.

“I was on stage during the kids’ number," said Landsiedel.

He’s been dreaming of coming back ever since. Now at age 19, Landsiedel’s dream has come alive. The days leading up to opening night are intense.

“In the morning, we’ll start rehearsal about 10 a.m. We’ll sing, we’ll have vocal rehearsal, big and large group, solos until about 12:30 and then we have an hour for lunch. We start choreography at about 1:30 and go until about 6 p.m. Seven days a week,” he said.

Landsiedel grew up in Bismarck, and the Medora Musical was a regular part of his family’s summers. He says being here still feels like a dream.

“Being out in Medora with people I’ve looked up to is pretty amazing," said Landsiedel.

This year, Landsiedel is one of just three North Dakota-raised Burning Hills Singers. He expects his North Dakota roots will make the summer even more special.

“If people come to the show, they’re going to cheer for the North Dakota, whether they know them or not,” said Landsiedel. "It’s just that North Dakota pride. It is an overwhelming experience and I am showing state what I have to offer.”

And he’s determined to give his all every single performance.

“I was inspired by the people on stage, so I want to give that to another kid, so I need to keep my energy up so I can inspire the next generation.”

When the musical ends for the season, Landsiedel will go back to North Dakota State University, where he’s studying to be a nurse.

“Nursing is my passion. Theater is a hobby," said Landsiedel.

A hobby, that has brought him back to where his childhood dream was born.