A LUCKY BREAK. In February 2026, the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild will present “Twilight Bowl,” directed by Logan Toftness and assistant director Denise-Alondra Bustamante – two Eau Claire locals who have taken part in CVTG's productions for many years. This new production follows a set of female characters' journeys as they navigate pivotal life shifts, housed in a familiar setting: a Wisconsin bowling alley.

“Six young women. One small town. Different lanes.” An introduction and glimpse into a forthcoming production with the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, pointedly titled “Twilight Bowl.”

Directed by Logan Toftness and assistant director Denise-Alondra Bustamante, the screenplay – originally by Rebeca Gilman – will transport Chippewa Valley audiences to an all-too-familiar setting: the fluorescent-lit lanes of a Wisconsin bowling alley.

The play follows a set of female characters' unique journeys as they navigate pivotal life moments: leaving for college, confronting the uncertainties of young adulthood and forming new identities. Each of these experiences converge through their shared passion for the game – and perhaps a few satisfying strikes, Toftness shared.

“This play is about the choices we make and the opportunities we do or don’t have along the way,” Toftness said. “It’s not just luck and it’s not just nature or just nurture.”

For Toftness, many of the roles available to young women in theatrical productions tend to be typecasted as somebody’s girlfriend or somebody’s wife. In turn, the roles for “Twilight Bowl” intend to be the opposite – to offer a more realistic view of women in today’s age.

“They all have their own strengths and weaknesses and they all make their own choices and mistakes,” Toftness added.

 

Bustamante said they believe the coming-of-age story highlights nuanced dynamics of social inequity, what success really means for female identities and – most importantly – showcases a narrative set in Wisconsin.

“This play takes place in Wisconsin, this story is about us,” Bustamante shared. “I think it will resonate most with anyone who has lived in a small town and found community at a local ‘watering hole’ like a park, pub, or a bowling alley.”

As the official cast list of six female leads was announced this past week, “Twilight Bowl” will show the weekends of Feb. 12-14 and 19-21, 2026, at the Grand Theatre (102 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire).

To learn more about “Twilight Bowl,” and other productions by the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, visit cvtg.org. Stay up to date on the cast list announcement and behind-the-scenes of rehearsals online through the theater guild’s Facebook page (@cvtgact).