Schools
Big Rehearsal for Li’l Abner: Peter Pan Junior Theater Reprises Capp Classic
Broadway style production based on comic strip returns to La Mesa-based troupe for the sixth time.
For the sixth time since 1978—but the first since 2005—the musical comedy Li’l Abner will be performed by La Mesa’s Peter Pan Junior Theater. On Saturday morning, director Mark Arapostathis and his volunteer staff oversaw a dress rehearsal of the play inspired by Al Capp’s satirical comic strip from 1934 to 1977. Set in the hillbilly town of Dogpatch, the play features music by Gene De Paul and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Local schoolchildren will put on the play March 28, 29, 30 and 31. On Broadway, Li’l Abner opened on Nov. 15, 1956, at the St. James Theatre and ran for 693 performances. Tickets can be ought online. Tickets also can be had during these times at the following Kroc Center rehearsals: 10:30-11 a.m. March 10 and March 17 and 6-6:30 p.m. March 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 at the Kroc Center Theater on University Avenue just west of La Mesa.
