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Theater & Arts
CATS Presents ‘Take Me Along’
CATS, The Community Arts Theater Society,
will present the delightful Broadway musical
Take Me Along for 11 performances
at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center.
Performances are June 24, 25, 29, July 1, 2, 6, 8
and 9 at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees on June
26, July 3 and 10 at 1:30pm. All performances
are reserved seating and prices range from $17 to
$29 for adults, $16 to $27 for seniors and $11
to $20 for students/children depending on date
and location of seats. There is a discount for those
serving in the military.
For info and tickets check the CATS website
at www.bigbeartheater.org or call the PAC Box
Office at (909) 866-4970.
Take Me Along opened on Broadway in
October of 1959, during the “Golden Age of
Broadway.” Originally starring Jackie Gleason,
who won the 1960 Tony Award for his hilarious
performance, and also starring Walter Pidgeon in
his magnificent singing role, Take Me Along is a
high spirited family musical filled with wonderful
songs and delightfully funny scenes. The musical
made a star of Robert Morse, and introduced a
young dancer to Broadway by the name of Valerie
Harper. The Music & Lyrics for the musical were
Take Me Along is set
on July 4, 1906, and
is the perfect family
musical.
written by Robert Merrill (Funny Girl) with book
by Joseph Stein (Fiddler On The Roof) and Robert
Russell. It was originally produced by David Merrick,
with staging by Onna White.
After closing on Broadway, the musical played
National Tours and summer stock venues for several
years. It was so popular that United Airlines
adapted the title song for a massive ad campaign
in the late ‘60s.
CATS is reviving the musical again, having
produced it 15 years ago. Director-Choreographer
Karen Sargent Rachels, who once toured
with the musical along with Dan Dailey, has fond
memories of the show. She says: “Along with a
terrific score, the musical has a wonderful script,
based on Eugene O’Neill’s classic comedy, Ah,
Wilderness!. Teenagers as well as Senior citizens
fall in love, come of age and try to stay out of
trouble, all with delightful singing and dancing.
If you liked The Music Man, you’ll love
Take Me Along.”
Take Me Along is set on July 4, 1906, and
is the perfect family musical. Once again, CATS’
Set Designer, Joanne McMaster, has designed a
lovely period set for use on the Performing Arts
Center’s revolving stage. Costumes are designed
by Priscilla Anderson, with Bob Perry in charge of
Set Construction. Karen Bergmann is Associate
Producer, Adam McDonald is Production Coordinator
and Joe Sellarole is Musical Director. The
cast includes several of CATS’ star performers including
Steve Mangels, Adam McDonald, Diana
Hintergardt, Nancy Walker, Timmy Brasher and
Jessica Brasher.
Tickets are on sale now. Tickets and information
are available through the CATS Website at
www.bigbeartheater.org. IER
Riverside Children’s Theatre presents
Summer Theater and Music Camps!!
*INTRO TO THEATER CAMP: JUNE 20-24, 9AM TO 4PM, $225
*Advanced Theater Camp: June 27-July 1, 9am to
4pm, $225
*Music Camp: July 25-July 29, 9am to 12pm, $195
In theater camp you will learn improvisation, set
design, stage makeup, and scene work!
Music camp will focus on improving vocal techniques
and preparing a song for a final performance.
More details about all camps available at
www.riversidechildrenstheatre.org
or email us at
summercamp@riversidechildrenstheatre.org
June, 2016 Inland Entertainment Review 23