"Meet Me in St. Louis" opens for Lee Day
The leading female role of Esther Smith will be portrayed by Anna Marie Brendel in this year's production of "Meet Me in St. Louis".
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christine Williams
Lee University Theatre stages a musical production every two years, and this spring the department will be debuting the romantic musical comedy “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
Associate Professor of Theatre Dr. Christine Williams described the musical—which is based on the classic 1944 film of the same name—as a rare treasure in the world of musical theatre.
“[‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ is] a wholesome and delightful portrait of a turn-of-the-century American family,” Williams said. “It is the summer of 1903, and the Smith family eagerly anticipates the opening of the 1904 World’s Fair. Over the course of a year, the family’s mutual respect, tempered with good-natured humor, helps them through romance, opportunity and heartbreaks.”
According to Williams, the show will captivate the audience through its music and its family-centric themes.
“This musical is full of delightful tunes that will stay with you well after seeing the performance,” Williams said. “It has a great variety of roles, particularly for the women in our program. It will provide a really enjoyable evening for families in our community.”
Freshman theatre and psychology double major Sarah Grace Johnson said that Lee’s theatre program helps to prepare students by giving them a knowledge of how drama works.
“Lee Theatre encourages students to take the lead by involving them in the show’s construction, design and management, not just the acting,” Johnson said. “By fully immersing the students, Lee’s Theatre Department can’t help but grow as more and more patrons come to support students involved in more than just acting on stage.”
‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ will be performed in the Dixon Center on Apr. 5-6 and Apr. 11-13 at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee showing will be held on Apr. 7 at 2:30 p.m.
Online ticket sales are available at www.showclix.com or through the Communication Arts Box Office from 3-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and then one hour prior to performances in the Dixon Center.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.
For more information on Lee Theatre, visit their webpage or call the box office at 423-614-8360.
