MEET ME AT THE THEATER

The musical comedy "Babes in Arms" is the third production of the season for the Broadway Community Theater, and one director Jerry McKee says showcases the talents of many local actors.

"I am really impressed with the talent we have here in Cape Girardeau and the Cape area," he said. But the best part of the production is its family-oriented themes and humor.

"It's not at all like the TV sitcom-type of one-line insults that passes for comedy these days," McKee said.

A remake of the 1930 classic starring Mickey Rooney, the Community Theater production of "Babes in Arms" centers around a group of youngsters who work for a small-town theater owner.

"It's really a play within a play," McKee said. "The kids try to put together and work on their own musical, but have to work on the theater owner's production at the same time.

"Just like in the old movies, they end up having to do the show in a barn."

And also like movies of the 1930s, "Babes" has a happy ending.

The production is scheduled for March 6-8 at Concord Theater in Cape Girardeau. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 and 7, and a 3 p.m. matinee is set for March 8.

The Broadway Community Theater was formed about one year ago, and specializes in productions that are fun and G-rated.

"You definitely won't find anything in this play that will offend anyone," McKee said. "You can take your 5-year-old and not worry."

He said that although high schools in and around Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri State University all produce quality theater, the Community Theater is a chance for members of the community to get involved in theater, even if they have little or no experience.

The cast of "Babes" ranges in age from 18 to the mid-50s, McKee said. One of the cast members has appeared off Broadway, and some are veterans of community theaters in other cities. But for two cast members, it's their first time on stage.

"Every single member of the cast is from the Cape Girardeau area, and they're wonderfully talented," he said. "This shows you don't have to go to St. Louis or Paducah to see a great play or musical."

Playing the romantic leads in "Babes" are Jason Woehrle as Valentine White, and Jenny Adams as Susie Ward. Comedy leads are Bryan Parker as Gus Field and Amy Diebold as Terry Thompson.

Woehrle and Adams, both freshman at Southeast, are experienced in high school theater, and Woehrle has done riverboat theater, McKee said.

Parker, a Cape Central High School graduate, and Diebold, a Notre Dame High School graduate, also were active in high school theater.

Parker is currently a senior at Northeast Missouri State University, where he is a member of the show choir.

Another actor, Janet Rachell, plays Jennifer Owens. Rachell has 20 years of music teaching experience at Shawnee High School in Illinois. Another lead player is Tammy Petzold, of Frohna.

Rounding out the cast are Richard Behring, Jennifer Cachon, Ed Dickherber, Amy Higgins, Jeanne Holley, Debbie Jansen, Lori Lain, Anna Ruggiero, Joe Sherinski and Marty Strohmeyer.

McKee said some of the best parts of the play are the musical production. "Babes" includes some classics, such as "Where or When," "Johnny One Note" and "The Lady is a Tramp." Musical director is Ann Swanson.

McKee, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees in speech and theater, said the entire cast has helped with stage set-ups and props, which are minimal in the production.

"I think the way the cast has come together to work on the set and really get into the other aspects of the play is great.

"It's a once in a lifetime chance for all of us to get together and create some magic."

McKee said the Community Theater is just beginning to get on its feet. A good turnout at the March production will prove that people really want a community theater to operate in the Cape Girardeau area.

"I think it's really important for people to come out and support their community theater," he said. "It's something everyone can enjoy."

Tickets for "Babes" are $5 for adults and $4 for children and are available in advance by calling the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts at 334-9233. Tickets also will be available at the door.