Li'l Abner's A Comin'

By: Johanna Mathieu

Want to see 50 LHS students and teachers climb onto the stage, sing, dance, and act with a backwoods 1950s flare? Come see Li'l Abner, Center Stage Ensemble's spring musical! Li'l Abner is an outrageous satiric comedy which shows the audience a good time through a convoluted, hilarious plot intertwined with goofy songs and loads of rousing full cast dance numbers.

It all begins in Dogpatch, USA, a "typical" town (or at least so say the residents lead by mayor (Mr. Mike Beaulieu)). Preparations for the annual Sadie Hawkins Day race have begun and Daisy Mae (Angela Roy) has Abner Yokum (Shawn Robitaille) on her mind. If only she can catch him (and make sure Earthquake McGoon (Zeek Powell) doesn't catch her) in the race they'll be married with the other "unfortunate males" and "happy females" by Marryin' Sam (Seth Morton). But things go array when, at a Jubilation T. Cornpone meetin', Senator Phogbound (Mr. Porter) comes to town and informs the Dogpatchers that their town will be cleared for a nuclear test site because the government has deemed it the most unnecessary place in the good ol' USA.

Fearful of the outside world and then struck by the sudden realization that Sadie Hawkins Day will be canceled the Dogpatchers listen to Mammy Yokum's (Tiffany Boisvert) pleas to find something necessary somewhere about their little town. But what? As Doctor Finsdale (Justin Labbe) is just about to begin the evacuation Mammy and Pappy Yokum's (Greg Lambert) famous Yokumberry tonic is brought forth. Native only to Dogpatch, the tonic has the ability to turn poor slobs into attractive, extraordinarily built men.

The plot thickens as millionaire General Bullmoose (Travis Morin) and his "personal secretary" Appassionata Von Climax (Abby Hayward) find out about the drug. Even the president wants in on the possibilities. But can the tonic really save the town?

Well, come see and find out!

Based on a comic strip created by Al Capp, Li'l Abner was written by Normand Panama and Melvin Frank with lyrics and music by Johnny Mercer and Gene de Paul. Directing the show is longtime LHS CSE advisor Richard Martin. Mr. Libby is the Musical Director with Mr. Avery as vocal coach. LHS alum Steve Dupont is the choreographer with students Amy Parker (Stage Manager), Alyssa Projanksy (Asst. Stage Manager), Johanna Mathieu (Producer) and Ashley Gagnon (Asst. Producer) serving in major positions.

The colorful and energy-filled show will be performed on April 6th, 7th, and 8th at 8 PM. There will also be a special matinee performance April 8th at 2 PM. All performances will be at the Lewiston Middle School Auditorium on Central Avenue and doors open 1 hour before show time. You can reserve tickets and seats by calling 795-4190 (*558). Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens. Mark the dates on your calendar and call now to get the best seats!