If you go
› What: “Meet Me in St. Louis”› Where: Lee University, Dixon Center, 1053 Church St. NE, Cleveland, Tennessee› When: 7:30 p.m. April 5-6 and 11-13; 2:30 p.m. April 7› Admission: $15 adults, $10 children and senior adults› For more information: 423-614-8360
Lee University Theatre Department and School of Music are collaborating to present the classic American musical “Meet Me in St. Louis” for six performances beginning Friday, April 6.
“Meet Me in St. Louis” follows a year in the life of the Smith family in St. Louis, leading up to the opening of the 1904 World’s Fair. The MGM film of the musical is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Anna Marie Brendel plays Esther, the role made famous by Judy Garland, in “Meet Me in St. Louis.” / Lee University contributed photo“We were interested in doing a musical that felt like a classic, and while the stage version is not as old as the movie, it certainly feels like a classic piece of American musical theater,” says Christine Williams, director.
The cast of 24 includes one middle-school student, Abigail Salyer, who plays Tootie, and Lee faculty member James Fronts as Grandpa Prophater.
“The songs are all very catchy and enjoyable,” says Williams. “The show speaks of family and love, which are central themes in our society and connect well with people. The story really revolves around the young adults in the house, and we watch them as they interact as family members, with friends, fall in love and have fun with their peers. The interactions are recognizable to us despite the different time period.”
Anna Marie Brendel, a 23-year-old senior double-majoring in music and theater at Lee, plays one of those young adults, Esther, the role made famous by Judy Garland in the MGM movie. Playing opposite her as John, “the boy next door,” is Clay Smith.
“I love that movie,” Brendel exclaimed while talking about her role. “One of my favorite childhood memories is watching it every year as a family.”
But she points out the stage production differs from the familiar musical.
“The scene order is a lot different and there are several new numbers audiences will hear in this production that are not in the film. That’s nice to have it set apart that way.”
However, audiences will find that this production is filled with the expected memorable tunes such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” which has become a holiday standard; “The Boy Next Door” and the rollicking “Trolley Song,” which will conclude the first act.
“‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ is my favorite,” Brendel says of the musical’s show-stopper. “I just really love it. It’s so nostalgic and it’s such a fixture of this show, but it’s also representative of the all-American dream.”
“Maybe it sounds cliche, but it’s true: There is something for everybody in this show from little kids up to senior citizens,” Brendel says.
“This show is about the family unit, it encourages unity in the family and national pride. It’s bright, it’s vibrant, the music is great and we have a solid cast. It’s the event of the season at Lee.”
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.