DOUBT, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and More Set for The Sauk's 2017 Season

The Sauk, Hillsdale County's community theatre, has announced their ambitious 2017 season of plays and musicals. Founded in 1961 as the "Broad Street Players," The Sauk owns and operates the Sauk Theatre located at 240 E. Chicago in Jonesville.

"We have a very exciting and diverse season planned," said Executive Director Trinity Bird. "Our patrons have come to expect a wide variety of both classic and new work. I think this season is the perfect combination of both."

The season begins with "The Beverly Hillbillies," a stage adaptation of the classic television series. After striking oil, the lovable Clampett family moves to Beverly Hills and, as they say, hilarity ensues. The Clampett clan takes over the Sauk stage February 9-12 and 16-19. This production is sponsored by County National Bank.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning "Doubt, A Parable" will be performed March 30-April 2. Sister Aloysius, a Bronx school principal, takes matters into her own hands when she suspects the young Father Flynn of improper relations with one of the male students. "Doubt" also won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Play. This production is sponsored by Mark & Susan Pedrick.

The Sauk's annual celebration of the 10-minute play, "Sauk Shorts" will be performed May 4-7. This production will include 10 short plays in approximately two hours time. Several of the plays are by Michigan playwrights. "Sauk Shorts" is sponsored by Johnny T's Bistro.

The MGM classic movie musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" will dance onto the stage June 15-18 and 22-25. The musical tells the story of Millie, a young bride living in the 1850s Oregon wilderness. She hopes to civilize and marry off her six brothers-in-law. The stage version includes many songs from the film plus several new songs written for the Broadway stage. This production is sponsored by Jonesville Lumber and The Udder Side.

Based on the hit film of the same name, "The Full Monty," a ten-time Tony Award nominee tells the story of a group of unemployed steel workers who come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. Filled with honest affection, engaging songs and the most anticipated closing number in Sauk history, "The Full Monty" will run August 10-13 and 17-20. This production is sponsored by Olivia's Chop House. Please note this production does contain strong adult language, adult situations and partial nudity.

A group of senior women tell their hilarious and heart-felt life stories in "Does This Show Make My Butt Look Fat?" This production will be performed September 7-10 and is sponsored by Nash Drugs.

Neil Simon's classic "The Sunshine Boys" arrives on The Sauk stage starring Ron Boyle and Bud Vear for eight performances October 12-15 and 19-22. Al Lewis and Willie Clark were top-billed vaudevillians for over 40 years. Now they are not speaking to each other. When a history of comedy special calls, a grudging reunion brings them back together. This comic masterpiece is sponsored by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust.

The season will conclude with "It's A Wonderful Life," a stage adaptation of the classic holiday film. Presented November 30-December 3 and 7-10, this production is sponsored by Moore Insurance Services.

All performances take place at the Sauk Theatre, 240 E. Chicago in Jonesville. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees performed at 3 p.m. The first performance of each production is a "Pay What You Can" preview night. Season and individual tickets are available at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100. You can also find show information and audition dates at the website.

In 2016, a total of 249 volunteers were involved in the organization's eight productions. The volunteers represent Hillsdale, Branch, Jackson, Lenawee, Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties in Michigan and several areas in Ohio. The entire organization is completely volunteer except a full-time grant-funded executive director. New volunteers are always encouraged and welcomed.

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