Take Me Along
Dice Girls and Guys
A Community Arts Theater Society (CATS) Production
June 28, 2016____ The
delightful Broadway musical Take Me Along opened in Big Bear Lake, Friday June 24th at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center. CATS welcomes Valley visitors, as well as the
local residents to come and enjoy the charming presentation that will run until
the Sunday July 10th Matinee.
The original production of Take Me Along opened on Broadway in
October of 1959, during the “Golden Age of Broadway”. The New York City, musical
starring Jackie Gleason, 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 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.”
Sid and Lil Nat & Essie Photos Courtesy of CATS
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.
All performances are
reserved seating. Tickets are $17 to $29 for Adults, $16 to $27 for Seniors and
$11 to $20 for Students/Children depending on date and location of seats.
A military discount is available. See CATS website atwww.bigbeartheater.org
for information or call the PAC Box Office at 909-866-4970.
TAKE ME ALONG Community Arts Theater Society Production JUNE 2016