Saturday, July 27 - 2:00 PM
Some of the best known musicals of American Musical Theater have been produced on the stage of the Little Theater in St. James each summer. Audiences have enjoyed “The Music Man,” “South Pacific,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “Oklahoma!” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” From time-to-time, there have been lesser known productions such as “The Fantasticks,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Bells are Ringing,” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” There were years when local talent was shared in place of a licensed musical with a musical review. But the show has gone on for fifty years and it is time to celebrate.
St. James Community Theater began in 1974 with the production of “The Mikado,” a comic opera written by Gilbert and Sullivan. Richard Jokumsen directed the musical with a host of local talent joining him to start this great tradition. What these first actors and volunteers couldn’t imagine is that fifty years later St. James Community Theater would be alive and ready to give the audience a thrill with its 2024 show, “Annie,” on July 26 and 27.
Over 800 community members have been involved in some way in a summer theater production. Many of these people have served in multiple capacities: acting, sewing costumes, painting, ushering or serving on the stage crew. What is known is that no show can happen without the help of each person, whether they receive the accolades from the audience or they quietly work behind the scenes.
On Saturday, July 27, the community along with former and current theater participants are invited to a 2:00 PM program in the Little Theater in the St. James Middle/Senior High School. The program will feature five musical performances highlighting one show from each of the ten decades of summer musicals. All actors, directors, set designers, musicians, tech support people and volunteers will be honored throughout the program. Benefactors of the St. James Community Theater and Arts organization will also be recognized.
Children’s Summer Theater will be highlighted as that part of the program has played a significant part in keeping theater alive in our community. As we involve our youngest thespians, they become the future of the stage in St. James and wherever they land in life.
The program will be followed by conversation over cake and coffee as well as viewing hundreds of items of community theater memorabilia. One thing is known about those who participate in theater: a bond is formed as you rehearse and work towards that perfect performance.
The St. James Community Arts and Theater Board is grateful for each and every person who has made musical theater come alive in our community. Fifty years is a significant milestone. Let’s celebrate that! All are welcome.
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