School receives arts grant for musical

This article submitted by Linda Stelling on 12/27/00.

Thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board the community education program will present a musical next summer.

Director Colleen Pelton has always wanted to do a musical. In October, she submitted a grant application to do "Patchwork Girl of Oz."

She already has the commitment of several community people to help with the musical: Charlene Strand to direct the music; Brenda Whitcomb to help with costumes; Molly Zimmerman as the set designer; and Cheryl Colbert as the accompanist.

"I wanted to do something special with the kids for their first performance in the new auditorium," Pelton said.

With the growing numbers in summer theater, she looked for a project that involved a lot of kids. Last summer there were about 50 students taking part in the summer theater program.

Pelton described Patchwork Girl of Oz as a spoof on the Wizard of Oz. The regular characters will still be in the musical along with a few new ones.

"There is so much talent in Paynesville, I won't have any problems filling the cast," Pelton said. She added a person doesn't need to be a good singer to try out. There will be parts for everybody.

Pelton will be asking students in first through eighth grade to sign up in June for parts.

The musical will be presented the first weekend in August. She plans on three evening performances and a matinee.

"I'm excited about the program. It will give the kids the feel of theater and music in one production," said Pelton.

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