Wednesday, March 10, 2004
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Wednesday, March 10, 2004 |
| L’il Abner comes to life at Starr’s Mill By LINDSAY BIANCHI In case the ladies may have missed Sadie Hawkins Day, the girls can take out their best feller March 15, 16 and 17 to see “L’il Abner.” The classic musical comedy is back in town for three nights only. Al Capp’s surreal take on hillbilly life, love and the pursuit of moonshine comes to Starr’s Mill High School in a colorful and energetic production. Director David Spearman and Musical Director Dan Lane have enlisted the services of about 70 students and faculty in bringing to life this favorite of the Sunday comics. With lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Gene de Paul, “L’il Abner” gives the sizable cast a lot of opportunity to flex their musical and theatrical muscles. Pappy, Mammy, Earthquake, Marryin’ Sam, Dr. Finsdale and, of course, L’il Abner, were all hard at work on the staging and “upstaging” involved in breathing new life into the cartoony existence of Dogpatch last week. In the background, behind the painted hills and shacks, another kind of staging was going on. The easy-to-overlook stage crew quietly painted and constructed a world for the actors to run around in. The wacky choreography being directed by Ashley Mallom is part Hanna-Barbara, part Charlie Chaplin and part Twyla Tharp. Mallom is also overseeing the Middle School Chorus who lend their vocal chords to help make “Abner” a real team effort. “We’ve been practicing since November. There are over fifty students in the show!” Spearman said adding the large cast gives a lot of kids a chance to act. “On the other hand, our next play will have fewer parts which allows the faculty a bit of a break, and allows for meatier roles.” The major players in Dogpatch are: Pappy, Brock Parman; Mammy, Mandee Kuloga; Marrying Sam, Nick Abelein; Earthquake, Brian Psotski; Daisy Mae, Heather Lannan, and L’il Abner, Tyler Molleson. The play opens Monday, March 15 at 7 p.m. and runs for three nights. Tickets in advance are $5 for students and $7 for adults and $8 at the door.
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