LI'L ABNER and HANSEL & GRETEL To Open at Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre, Beg. 8/8

Al Capp's world-famous comic strip comes to life when Li'l Abner comes to the Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre stage for two weekends. Set to open on Friday, August 8, performances continue on Friday, Saturdayand Sunday at 7:30 pm through August 17.

Inspired by Al Capp's comic strip that was syndicated throughout the United States from 1934 to 1977, Li'l Abner features on the exploits and misadventures of the hillbillies living in the fictional mountain town of Dogpatch. Abner is a young man raised by his Mammy Yokum and Pappy Yokum and the designated beau of Daisy Mae. But as Abner is uninterested in romance, Daisy''s only hope is to catch him at the Sadie Hawkins Day race (in which women physically catch men with the intention of marrying them) and having preacher Marryin' Sam perform the union.

Meanwhile, the town of Dogpatch stands under threat of being bombed by the government (which has deemed it "unnecessary") and the exploitation of Mammy Yokum's special tonic, which helped Abner grow up strong and handsome, though uninterested in romance.

The Open Air Theatre cast of Li'l Abner features actors seen on its stage throughout the current season. Louis Palena plays Marryin' Sam. Audiences just saw Louis in this season's hit production of Seussical as the Cat in the Hat. The role of Daisy Mae is played by Angelica Staikos who wowed audiences with her portrayal of Maria in the season opener, West Side Story. Mike Nappi who played Tony in West Side Story will play Pappi Yokum. Other notables include the Lambertville husband and wife acting team of David and Jenny Whiteman as General Bullmoose and Appassionata von Climax and Brett Glauser as Abner Yokum. Li'l Abner is directed by Open Air Theatre artistic director, Louis Palena.

The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre production of Li'l Abner will be performed on Friday, August 8,Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 at 7:30 pm. The musical returns for a second weekend of performances on August 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12 and under). Tickets can always be purchased at the Open Air Theatre Box Office one half-hour prior to the performance. Group discounts are available.

For complete information about the 2014 Summer Season of mainstage shows, children's theatre productions, directions and more, visit the website at www.downtownpac.com. The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre is located inside Washington Crossing State Park at 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road in Titusville, New Jersey. Box Office phone is (267) 885-9857.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE SERIES CONTINUES WITH HANSEL AND GRETEL

The classic tale, Hansel and Gretel, comes to life in a new musical adaptation by Open Air Theatre co-artistic director, composer and lyricist, Louis Palena. Set for two weekends of shows, Hansel and Gretel will be performed on August 8 through August 17 with shows on Friday and Saturday at 11 am and Sunday at 4 pm

Based on the original tale, a brother and sister take a trip through the woods of Germany. Coomplete with gingerbread men and a musical singing bird, this new twist on the classic story will delight audiences of all ages.

Palena has taken the story loved by generations of readers and created a new theatrical work that makes its debut at the Open Air Theatre. Open Air Theatre audiences saw his versions of Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and The Sorcerer's Apprentice. The 2014 children's series also features his productions of Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White.

The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre production of Hansel and Gretel will be performed on Friday August 8, and Saturday, August 9 at 11 am and Sunday, August 10 at 4 pm. A second weekend of performances is set for August 15, 16 and 17. Tickets are $5 for children or adults and can always be purchased at the Open Air Theatre Box Office prior to the performance.

For complete information about the 2014 Summer Season of mainstage shows, children's theatre productions, movies, directions and more, visit the website at www.downtownpac.com The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre is located inside Washington Crossing State Park at 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road in Titusville, New Jersey. Box Office phone is (267) 885-9857.

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