Are you ready for another summer of outstanding theater performances at the Ashtabula Arts Center?

If not, then get ready. With a family classic, a rock opera, a new comedy/horror musical and a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic in the works, our audiences are sure to enjoy what�s in store for our summer season.

"Peter Pan" will open Friday night, June 10, and run for seven performances through June 19. The second show of the season will be Andrew Lloyd Webber�s rock opera �Jesus Christ Superstar,� which will be staged June 24-July 16. Following this �new look� adaptation will be a comedy/horror musical that was a recent off-Broadway hit, �Bat Boy� running for seven performances July 22 through the 31st. Concluding the summer season will be another large-cast masterpiece, Rodgers and Hammerstein�s endearing �South Pacific.� Our final summer show opens August 5 and runs through the 20th.

"Peter Pan," a classic family tale, will take audiences on a swashbucklong adventure to Never-Never Land. Peter Pan and Tinkerbelle convince Wendy, John and Michael to leave their bedroom and go off on a journey where they get to live a magical life without any grown-ups. But the plot thickens when the children are captured by the wicked Captain Hook who is being pursued by a crocodile hunting for a tasty meal.

�Superstar,� the first rock opera, tells of the radical teachings of the �new� prophet and Judas� questioning of his motives, resulting in betrayal. There is an intense, thought-provoking edge to Christ�s dramatic final days. The score allows for numerous featured roles.

The sleeper hit of the summer could be the little known �Bat Boy.� You�ll laugh, cry and be on the edge of your seat as the ensemble cast of about 12 takes you through a series of scary moments, Gospel tunes, ballads, pop songs, and a journey through the forest before the final �bloody� end.

Men play women, women portray men, and all play animals in this witty cult hit involving a half-boy, half-creature that is found in a cave near Hope Falls, W. Va. For lack of a better solution, the sheriff brings bat boy to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is accepted as a family member and taught to act like a �normal� boy by the vet�s wife and teenage daughter. But when he tries to fit in with the narrow-minded townsfolk, they turn on him, prodded by the scheming of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises the boy. Shelly falls in love with the bat boy and they try to run away, but the wife shatters their happiness by revealing a secret. All of this before the surprising ending! A mix of adults and teens will be cast in this production. �Bat Boy� will run for seven performances, opening Friday, July 21.

Closing the season with a three-weekend run will be �South Pacific� opening on August 5. Set on an island during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers and prejudices of war.
Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. She learns the mother of his children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile�s proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, a strapping Lieutenant denies himself the fulfillment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl with whom he�s fallen in love out of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany the lieutenant on a dangerous mission that claims the officer�s life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her own chance for happiness, thus conquering her prejudices.

Some of the memorable songs include �Song Enchanted Evening,� �I�m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,� �There�s Nothing Like a Dame, �Honey Bun,� and many more. You�ll sure to walk away from our final show of the summer whistling and humming. The cast includes leading men and women, featured men and women, men and women choruses, and children.

Auditions were held March 12, 13, 19 and 20. Besides actors and musicians, a variety of other positions are in need of people willing to commit to learn and work. They include technical support personnel, show crew members, set building and crew, costumers, and stage managers. Interested persons should contact Lowe or Technical Director Phil Mullet and fill out a form.

Subscriptions go on sale April 1st.

Buying a subscription to our summer season allows you four admissions to any of our summer shows. See all of the shows or use all four tickets at any one performance. Subscriptions mean you can save as much as 20% off of regular box office prices. Subscriptions costs are $43.20 for patrons, $36.00 for adult general admission, $32.20 for seniors and $28.80 for students and children. Arts Center members receive an additional 10% off these already low prices! Pick up a brochure at the Arts Center or call us at (440) 964-3396 and we will mail one to you!