Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre is set to present Li’l Abner and Hansel and Gretel.
Inspired by Al Capp’s syndicated comic strip, Li’l Abner features on the exploits and misadventures of the hillbillies living in the fictional mountain town of Dogpatch.
Abner is a young man raised by his Mammy Yokum and Pappy Yokum and the designated beau of Daisy Mae. But as Abner is uninterested in romance, Daisy’’s only hope is to catch him at the Sadie Hawkins Day race and having preacher Marryin’ Sam perform the union.
Meanwhile, the town of Dogpatch stands under threat of being bombed by the government which has deemed it “unnecessary” and the exploitation of Mammy Yokum’s special tonic, which helped Abner grow up strong and handsome, though uninterested in romance.
The Open Air Theatre cast of Li’l Abner features actors seen on its stage throughout the current season. Louis Palena plays Marryin’ Sam. Audiences saw Louis in this season’s production of Seussical as the Cat in the Hat. The role of Daisy Mae is played by Angelica Staikos who played Maria in the season opener, West Side Story. Mike Nappi, who played Tony in West Side Story, is set to play Pappy Yokum. Other notables include the Lambertville husband and wife acting team of David and Jenny Whiteman as General Bullmoose and Appassionata von Climax and Brett Glauser as Abner Yokum. Li’l Abner is directed by Open Air Theatre artistic director, Louis Palena.
Performances of Li’l Abner are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and under age 12.
The classic tale, Hansel and Gretel, comes to life in a new musical adaptation by Open Air Theatre co-artistic director, composer and lyricist, Louis Palena.
Based on the original tale, a brother and sister take a trip through the woods of Germany. Complete with gingerbread men and a musical singing bird, this new twist on the classic story will delight audiences of all ages.
Performances are scheduled for 11 a.m. Aug. 8, 9, 15 and 16; and 4 p.m. Aug. 10 and 17.
Tickets are $5.
Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre is located inside Washington Crossing State Park at 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road in Titusville.
More information is online at downtownpac.com.
