MCCC's Kelsey Theatre Presents TOM SAWYER 3/12-21

One of the most beloved characters of American literature comes to life in the exuberant musical, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. A pop rock Broadway version of Mark Twain's semi-autobiographical novel is presented by Maurer Productions OnStage Fridays, Mar. 12 and 19 at 7 p.m.; Saturdays, Mar. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sundays, Mar. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on March 12.

Audiences will warm to this lively tale set in 1840 in St. Petersburg, Missouri, a bustling town on the banks of the Mississippi River. Fourteen-year-old Tom is busy navigating the travails of teen life, as he goes head-to-head with his stern Aunt Polly, falls in love with the pretty, feisty Becky Thatcher, and embarks on a grand adventure with Becky and that irresistible rascal Huckleberry Finn. Along the way, Tom meets a terrifying scoundrel named Injun Joe, copes with his bratty half-brother Sid, and interacts with a host of colorful townspeople. Based on the book by Ken Ludwig, with music and lyrics by country songwriter Don Schlitz, this family show is filled with foot-stomping, toe-tapping songs that will introduce a whole new generation to Twain's memorable characters.

Starring in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are: Ryan McCloskey of Newtown, Pa., as Tom; Albert Scerbo of Yardley, Pa., as Huckleberry Finn; Rosie Karlin of Plainsboro as Aunt Polly; Stephen Szemis of West Windsor as Sidney Sawyer; Scott Karlin of Plainsboro as Judge Josiah Thatcher; Rachel McCleary of Fallsington, Pa., as Becky Thatcher; and Joe Zedeny of East Windsor as Injun Joe. Also appearing are Marc Flicker of Yardley, Pa., as Muff Potter; Ray Murphy of Hamilton Square as Reverend Joshua Sprague; Jack Petzko of Cranbury as Pap Finn/Sheriff; Carol Jean Feinstein of East Windsor as Widow Douglas; Brian Gildea of Cranbury as Lemuel Dobbins; John Russell of Mercerville as Gideon Temple; and Rob Gougher of Newtown, Pa., as Lanyard Bellamy/Doc Robinson.

Featured in supporting roles are Dennis Connors of Sayreville, Matt Triplett of Skillman, Zachary Ryan Levine of Monroe Township, Kiernan Matts of Hamilton, Dominick Sannelli of Levittown, Pa., Molly Barson of Richboro, Pa., Victoria Scialfa of Robbinsville, Alexandria Nudo of Robbinsville, Stacy Maurer of Ewing, Jeff Branin of Bordentown, Danielle Grosso of Hamilton Square, Brielle Fattori of Yardville, Laurie, Samantha and Charlotte Gougher of Newtown, Pa., Kathy Kutalek of Hightstown, Debbie Ryan of Robbinsville and Simone Sannelli of Levittown, Pa.

The show's director is John Maurer. The musical director is Buzz Herman and the choreographer is Jane Coult.

Tickets are $16 for adults; $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible. For a complete listing of adult and children's events for the remainder of the season, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.