Summer is here, but the kids aren’t done with the books yet … well, at least when it comes to scripts.
A bevy of youth and community-based theaters are gearing up for summer shows that promise to be fun for the whole family.
First up is the current production of “Snow White and the 22 Dwarfs” by the Denair Gaslight Community Conservatory Starmites. Featuring a cast of around 70 students between the ages of 3 years to 17 years, this is a new spin on the classic fairy tale, namely the addition of 15 more dwarfs. The show runs through Sunday and shows are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Denair Gaslight Theater at 3908 N. Gratton Road. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved by calling 664-9514.
The Denair Gaslight Theater is offering up a second summer show with their production of the beloved musical “Annie.” The musical tale of the red-haired heroine and her dog Sandy follows her life at the orphanage to her home with Daddy Warbucks. The show will open Aug. 6 and run through Aug. 15. Information on tickets is available by calling 664-9514.
The sounds of the big brass band will be heard this summer as the Youth Entertainment Stage Company performs “The Music Man.” Trouble with a capital T ensues when the fast-talking Harold Hill makes his way to River City. Harold comes to town with the intent to con the townsfolk, but his plans go awry when he falls for the bookish Marian the librarian.
The show open July 23 and runs through Aug. 1 at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Tickets are available through the box office at 338-2100.
The Patterson Repertory Theatre will be performing “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.” Called a “madcap merriment,” this show brings the Jazz Age to life. Filled with flappers and snappy gents, the musical tells the story of Millie Dillmount and her New York adventures.
The show opens July 23 and runs through Aug. 1 at the Patterson High School auditorium at 200 N. 7th St. For ticket information call 892-7297.
The Modesto Performing Arts will be bringing two classic musicals to the stage this summer. First up is “Phantom, the American Musical Sensation.” Different than the Andrew Lloyd Webber version, this musical delves deeper into the Phantom’s past and his connection to the Opera House. The show opens July 11 and runs through July 25.
Their second show is “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” the musical comedy of romance run amok. The show will open Aug. 22 and closes Sept. 5.
All MPA shows are at Modesto High School at 18 H St. For ticket information call 524-5654.
The Turlock Youth Performing Arts is promising a boot-stomping good time when their production of “Annie Get Your Gun” comes to the stage. The story revolves around the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley and her Wild West adventures. The show opens Aug. 27 and runs through Aug. 29 at the Turlock Community Theatre. For tickets call 537-5227.
The West Side Theatre is hoping audiences have a rip-snortin', rootin'-tootin' time at their showing of “Wagon Wheels West.” A musical spoof of the Old West, the show is filled with recognizable and memorable characters that pepper westerns. The show opens July 23 and runs through July 31 at the theatre at 1331 Main St., in Newman. For ticket information call 862-4490.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
