Performin' Shoremen Present 'Li'l Abner'

Bring your sense of humor for an evening more exciting than a Cornpone Meetin.’ The Performin’ Shoremen will present the Broadway musical Li’l Abner this spring at the Dr. Daniel B. Ross Performing Arts Center March 29- April 1.

Al Capp’s world-famous comic strip comes to life, featuring famous characters living in Dogpatch, USA, one of the most celebrated country towns in America.

Until, that is, the federal government decides Dogpatch, USA is unnecessary and should turned into a nuclear testing site.

What follows is a rollicking musical romp through Dogpatch that includes Yokumberry Tonic, Mammy Yokum, Daisy Mae, the original Sadie Hawkins Day and more comic – and comical – characters brought to life than one can count.

Featured in the production will be seniors Eric Moenich (General Bullmoose), Lindsay Quintero (Daisy Mae) and Julie Bastulli (Appassionata von Climax). Junior Tom Sweeney will play Li’L Abner, with sophomore Alex Bair as Mammy Yokum and sophomore Dan Vasu as Pappy Yokum. All will be joined by a large supporting cast and chorus under the direction of Patricia Frank and music director Bob Judge.

The show is family friendly, with humor and characters for kids and quirky satire and laughs for adults. Music includes the opening song A Typical Day, where characters introduce themselves and take the audience through a day in Dogpatch. Other noteworthy songs include Namely You, If I Had My Druthers, Jubilation T. Compone and The Country’s In the Very Best of Hands.

“If you're looking for a fun-filled, foot-stompin' musical taken directly from the comics, then Li’l Abner is for you,” says the Li’L Abner production notes. “It is pure entertainment; a sidesplitting extravaganza for all that is laced with gentle satire, rib-tickling humor, and a host of brash, catchy tunes.”

The show will be presented March 29, 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. and April 1 at 2 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets (until March 28) are $8. Cost is $10 the day of the show.

For tickets call Kim Thomas at 440-554-1313 or e-mail her at skthomas5@gmail.com.