"The legendary citizens of Dogpatch, U.S.A., find their peaceful lives of rustic simplicity disturbed when the government names their town the most unnecessary place in the whole country, thereby setting the stage for evacuation of the town so that atomic testing can take place. What’s even worse is that the evacuation will take place before the annual Sadie Hawkins Day race when Daisy Mae plans to catch her sweetheart, Li’l Abner, and make him hers. A solution must be found—something that proves their town is a necessary place after all."
If you think that a high school production is mediocre entertainment, you are greatly mistaken. This show is one of the best I've seen in the Huntsville area! Attention has been paid to every little detail. And, yes, it does take a village: over 80 students, actors, parents, musicians, technicians and dancers dedicated hours and hours of their time and talents to make Li'L Abner a delightful show for their audience.
The cast of 51 does an excellent job of bringing Al Capp's cartoon characters to life. In fact, about a quarter of the way through the show, I found myself forgetting this was all a bunch of nonsense and believing the characters were real and not as outrageous as they truly are when you think about it.
All the lead characters are perfectly cast. JaneMarie Overbeek as Mammy Yokum is a real scene-stealer and looks and acts like the real thing. Brett Warnke's Li'l Abner and Erica Hansen's Daisy Mae are a perfect match and make an endearing couple. One of my favorite actors, Chris Bowser gives his best performance to date as General Bullmoose. His "Progress Is the Root of All Evil" song and dance number is fabulous. Another fun number was Ben Holme's "The Matrimonial Stomp" as Marryin' Sam. And, of course, the Hunks were hunky--adding to all the fun.
If you love music and dancing, as I do, you'll love this show. Maybe the choreography is so good because the director is also the choreographer. Stephanie Braly-Beutjer has done an excellent job with this huge cast, making it fun and lively with perfectly timed chaos and fight scenes. Although this is a long musical, I didn't find myself glancing at my watch and hoping it would end...actually, just the opposite.
The costumes and set for this show are top-notch. Art students pitched in and made the statute used in the show. Costumes [I loved the wives' wacky outfits] were made with only five being rented. The band students provide the music with four adults adding to the mix. Five screes were rented, while the cabins were built by the construction crew and David Harwell lead the Technical Theatre Class and cast members in scenic painting.
I was impressed with the professionalism and talent displayed in every aspect of this show. This is a fun way to spend the evening with your family. Don't miss this one!
Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Performances are at the Grissom High School Auditorium on Bailey Cove Rd. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. For tickets, call Grissom Theatre at 539-1534, go to Blossoms and Blooms (a flower shop across the street from Grissom) or get tickets at the door.
Whether you go to the show or not, you can participate in the Silent Auction and support the fine arts a Grissom High School.
Li'l Abner Photos
Grissom Fine Arts Silent Auction Items
Huntsville Theatre Reviews
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