OHS drama students present 'Li'l Abner'

Cast members from Okoboji High School's production of "Li'l Abner" have been rehearsing since late August for the school's fall musical. Performances are Nov. 13-14.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14 in the Okoboji High School Auditorium.

Approximately 35 Okoboji students make up the "Li'l Abner" cast. Rehearsals began the first week in August.

"They've been working hard," said Director Erin Orness. The entire music staff is assisting Orness, who said she picked the musical because it was a good fit.

"'Li'l Abner' is a comedy, and it fit the personalities that we had in our kids," said Orness. "That was the big part. The kids we have this year fit the parts that make up the musical."

"Li'l Abner" is set in Dogpatch, USA, a town that has recently been declared the most unnecessary town in the nation. Government officials plan to use the town as a nuclear testing site if its residents don't find a way to turn Dogpatch from unnecessary to indispensable.

The story unfolds around Mammy Yokum's Yokumberry tonic and the budding romance of Li'l Abner and Daisy Mae. If Daisy catches Li'l Abner during the town's upcoming Sadie Hawkins Day, the town's tradition sees that they get hitched. With the arrival of Sadie Hawkins Day and Yokumberry tonic's appeal to a national market, the hillbilly fun continues throughout the show.

"The audience can expect to come out for a fun, comical lighthearted night out," said Orness. Lead roles include Lowen Gude as Li'l Abner, Taylor Pirie as Daisy Mae, Simon Floss as Marryin' Sam, Erik Vaage as Earthquake McGoon, Kiley Wermersen as Mammy Yokum, Dustin Peters as Pappy Yokum, and Milan Johnson as General Bullmoose.

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door. A reception will be held immediately following each performance.

Li'l Abner cast list

Li'l Abner - Lowen Gude

Daisy Mae - Taylor Pirie

Mammy Yokum - Kiley Wermersen

Pappy Yokum - Dustin Peters

Marryin' Sam/Mayor - Simon Floss

Earthquake McGoon - Erik Vaage

Senator Jack S. Phogbound - Adam Osman

Dr. Rasmussen T. Finsdale - Tanner Taylor

General Bullmoose - Milan Johnson

Available Jones - Kelly Kaufman

Stupefyin' Jones - Hannah Jones

Appassionata von Climax - Hannah Marsh

Evil Eye Fleagle - Kyle Hanson

Government Man - Cody Budrow

Policeman - Jordan Hanson

Colonel - Taylor Yaw

Romeo Scragg/Joe/Polecat - Brayden Knudson

Clem Scragg (husband) - Ryan Wolterman

Scragg sisters - Meghan Humphrey, Emma Maris

Scarlett - Dallas Daws

Maid (Creighton) - Emma Crouch

Secretaries - Ariel Ford-Loosier, Nicole Ballah, Devan Hanna, Dallas Clark

Wives - Erin Patton (Pat), Jenna Johnson (Carmen), Miranda Mortenson (Lillian), Halee Morrow (Hope) and Sadie Range (Dee Dee)

Husbands/Cronies - Dustin Abbas (Hank), Tyler Wolterman (Rufe-father), Ryan Wolterman (Clem), Connor Ave (Luke), Wyatt Rockman (Zeke)

Dogpatch townspeople/Scragg relatives - Rachel Nelson, Alex Adams, Melanie Clemen

OHS presents Li'l Abner

7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 & 14

Okoboji High School Auditorium

Tickets: $7 adults, $5 students, tickets will be available at the door