Post Playhouse set to open

--“Smoke on the Mountain,” a show filled with gospel music presented by members of the Sanders Family as they arrive at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church for an evening of gospel music and storytelling. The music is familiar, bouncing and downright toe-tapping.

--“Saving Grace,” a romantic comedy set in the 1950s in which everything seems perfect, but somehow mayhem breaks out. The telephone repairman is mistaken for someone else. Is there a burglar? Who will marry sister Harriet? Which guy will Grace choose?

--“The Year of the Frog and Toad,” a popular new musical that includes fun and fantasy. It’s described as a story of friendship and values suitable for all the young at heart.

Supplementing the live entertainment this year will be the epic film, “The Greatest Good” produced by the U.S. Forest Service, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary on July 1, 2005. The film discusses the struggle to manage the nation’s resources amid global change, and includes breath-taking scenery.

The film will be shown at the Playhouse at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29 and each Monday evening throughout the summer beginning June 6. Admission will be $4 for adults and $3 for youths under 12. Tickets for the film will be available at the door only.

Loree MacNeill, director of cultural activities and college relations at Chadron State College, is again serving as the Playhouse’s executive director.

She said support by numerous area businesses is making the 2005 season possible. She added that strong ticket sales will be vital to keeping the playhouse open through its 40th season next summer.

MacNeill’s husband, long-time CSC choir director Dr. Roger MacNeill, is the musical director while Roger Mays and Scott Cavin, theater professors at the college, are serving as the artistic director and set and lighting designer, respectively.

The acting company will be made up of college students from throughout the Midwest. They include Cody Greibel, a Chadron State student from Hot Springs, S.D. Several other CSC students will be involved in the “behind the scenes” activities. They include Liz Saunders of Gillette, Wyo., Adam Spencer of Grand Island, Dan Giffee of Dawson and Lars Monson of Benkelman. Heather MacNeill is the company and box office manager.

Tickets for the Post Playhouse this summer will be $12 for those 13 an over, $10 for senior citizens 65 and over, $8 for youths 12 and under and $8 for groups of 25 or more. Reservations may be made by calling 308-665-1976.