Young Broadneck Actors in Lil' Abner

A favorite entertainment tradition for a growing number of families each summer is attending the fun-filled, lively Talent Machine shows. Two shows are presented each summer—the first show by the under 14 age-group runs for two July weekends. Those performances are followed by the older age-group being showcased in the August musical offering.

Starting Friday at 7:30 p.m. the musical version of Al Capp’s comic strip "L’il Abner" with music by Gene de Paul and lyrics by Johnny Mercer will be brought to life by youngsters playing such immortal Dogpatch characters as Mammy and Pappy Yokum, Senator Fogbound, General Bullmoose, along with those unforgettable gals Stupefyin’ Jones, Appassionata, and Daisy Mae.

"L’il Abner" first appeared on Broadway in 1956. It went on to win awards and run for two years and become a movie in 1959. Revived in 2008, the musical won over new audiences who found cartoonist Al Capp’s satire sharp and his characters still amusing.  

This show is so rarely done locally that I recall only one production about 15 years ago, although at rehearsal TM artistic director Leah Capps recalled Talent Machine presenting it about seven years ago, remarking that it proved an ideal vehicle for her young cast.

Director Aly Cross guarantees us a wholly entertaining evening, as does musical director Cyndi Wallman, who said the songs are so upbeat and catchy with great lyrics that ring true today. They are bound to entertain every family member.

Songs include “If I Had My Druthers,” “Namely You,” and Wallman’s favorite “This Country’s In the Very Best of Hands.” Lines include: “This country’s in the very best of hands, best of hands. You ought to hear these senators when they’re drawing up a bill.  Such legal terminology would give your heart a thrill.”

This bygone good-natured art of poking fun might be as healthful as a swig of Mammy Yokum’s famous Yokumberry tonic that made her son Abner so incredibly strong and handsome.

It’s a sure bet that audience members will marvel at how well these Talent Machine kids play adult characters. The enjoyment only grows when these players are from Broadneck, Severna Park and Annapolis.

Broadneck and Annapolis area players include Gabriel Needle (Senator Fogbound), Colleen Coleman, Jasmine Caffee, Samantha Esterling, Lily West, Grace Clifton, Tarn Kelsey, Alex Sarkady, Chrissy Scott, and Reed Webber.

During our brief stay at rehearsal we heard some powerful voices that belong to Reed Webber, who perfectly fits the Abner role and Gabriel Needle who makes an impressive orating Senator Fogbound. Not to be outdone—many young girls filled the stage to ensure their pick of any Dogpatch boy.

All performances are at St. John’s College Key Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and on Sunday at 2 and 6:30 p.m. and next weekend at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. only on Sunday July 17.

General admission is $10 and $8 for children age 7 and under, and also $8 for groups of 20. Order tickets online at talentmachine.com or call 410-956-0512.