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Lebanon County schools prepare for musicals


We’ve come to arguably one of the most exciting times in the school year – spring musical season. The curtain opens on the 2016 season this weekend.

First up is Cedar Crest High School, presenting “Into The Woods,” starting Thursday, March 3, 4, and 5 at 7 p.m. in the CCHS Auditorium. The story begins when a Baker, (Darvin Muentes) and his wife, (Ellie Wagner) learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch (Rose Peterschmidt) next door. They then embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students.

Also starting this week is Lebanon High School, who will present, "Aida: The Timeless Love Story" in the William D. Starr Auditorium Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 4-6. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with doors opening at 6:45 p.m. The Sunday show begins at 3 p.m., with doors opening at 2:15 p.m. Aida is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal. An enslaved Nubian princess, Aida (Paige Hall), finds her heart entangled with Radames (Gian Fabian), an Egyptian soldier who is betrothed to the Pharaoh's daughter, Amneris (Natalie Payne). Tickets can be purchased online at www.lebanonshs.bpt.me or at the door. They are $8 for children/students, and $15 for adults.

This weekend also features ELCO's production of “Guys and Dolls” March 4 and 5. Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m. The show tells of con-man Nathan Detroit’s efforts to find new life for his illegal, but notorious, crap game. Nathan (Samuel Krupenya) has to find a new home for his crap game quickly - but he doesn’t have the dough to secure the one location he finds. To make matters worse, Nathan's long-time fiancee, Miss Adelaide (Victoria Hackman) would like to see Nathan take his chances on a new game - marriage. Nathan is looking to run one more game before settling down. For tickets, go to www.elcosd.org or call the High School office at 717-866-7447 during school hours, or call 717-866-7447 ext 5306 after school hours.

The next weekend, March 10-13, Palmyra High School will present “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Shows March 10-12 are at 7 p.m., and the March 13 show is at 2 p.m. Following the advice of a book titled “How to Succeed in Business” a young window-cleaner, J. Pierrepont Finch, begins a meteoric rise from the mail-room to Vice President of Advertising at the World-Wide Wicket Company. Set in 1960, Finch’s unorthodox and morally-questionable business practices jeopardize not only his career but also his romance with secretary Rosemary Pilkington. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for students, seniors and district employees. To purchase tickets, call 717-832-0611 or online at phmusical.org.

Also that same weekend, Northern Lebanon High School will present “Seussical The Musical,” starting March 10-12. Show times on March 10 and 11 are at 7:30 p.m., and March 12 has a 1 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. show. The show includes students from the elementary, middle and high school. Tickets are available through the school website or at the door. General admission is $5 and $6, and reserved seats are $6 and $8. For more information, call Pete Pavlis at 865-2117.

One of the most captivating musical shows of our time, “Bye, Bye Birdie!” hits the stage at Annville-Cleona High School April 7-9 at 7:30 p.m. It is a satire crafted with the fondest affection telling the story of a rock and roll singer, Conrad Birdie (Caleb Wenger) who is about to be inducted into the army. This is the tops in imagination and good old-fashioned fun. Reserved seats are $11, and general admission is $9.

That same weekend, head on down to Lancaster to see, "Meet Me in St. Louis" at Lancaster Catholic High School, April 7,8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and April 10 at 2 p.m. “Meet Me In St. Louis” begins by joining the Smith Family at the 1904 World's Fair, and see how their love and respect for each other is tempered with the genuine humor that can only be generated by such a special family. Tickets are $15 for reserved seats, $13 for adult general admission and $7 for student general admission. Tickets can be purchased from any Cast, Crew or Orchestra member or by sending a self-addressed envelope with payment enclosed to: Tony Brill Director of Fine & performing Arts Lancaster Catholic HS, 650 Juliette Avenue, Lancaster, PA  17601.

Rounding out the 2016 high school musical season is Lebanon Catholic’s performance of the Disney classic, “Beauty and the Beast.” Join Belle, the Beast and the rest of everyone’s favorite characters April 29-May 1, with the April 29 and 30 shows starting at 7 p.m., and the May 1 show starting at 1 p.m. Tickets will be available in April, with the cost at $10 for adults, and $8 for students and senior citizens. Once tickets go on sale, call 717-272-3731 to purchase them.