Lincoln Community Theater presents "The Grunch"
Day-long intense rehearsals start next week

 

[June 19, 2021] 

The Lincoln Community Theatre summer season is quickly approaching as the cast and crew of “The Grunch,” a youth musical kicking off this month, begin their intensive week-long all-day rehearsals on Monday, June 21.

Directors Tim Searby and Sheralyn Bolton orchestrated the plan several months ago, finding the script delightful and accessible for as many youth performers as the stage could fit, given all the guidelines for safety precautions.

The Grunch is inspired by “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and tells the story of Ruby Grunch, a grumpy 6th grader who always feels like an outsider. When the entire school gets excited about the annual school musical, Ruby comes up with a plan to ruin it - she’ll steal the sets, costumes and lights the night before it opens, but will the spirit of theatre prevail?

With tons of references to other musicals, theatre lovers will try to count them all.

The cherry on the top of this literal sundae is a sweet sponsor in Top Hat Creamery, located in historic downtown Lincoln. Lisa and Jon Mestinsek donated a free scoop of Top Hat ice cream to all over 70 young performers who auditioned in addition to sponsoring the show, now with mentions of Top Hat itself in the script.

The cast of 30 includes: Emma Adams as Ruby Grunch, Max Miller as Mills and Whoover Drama Club members: Charlie McFadden, Mazie Green, Lily Brant, Logan McFadden, Cameron Wilmert, Sloan Green, Kindall Helton, Eliahlyn Hinton, Burke Kitterman, Marin Crombie, John David Dietrich, and Harper Donaldson.

Lincoln Community Theatre Board Member and Director Tim Searby, far right, walks youth performers through a musical rehearsal for The Grunch, which opens June 25 at the Lincoln Community High School auditorium. Tickets are now on sale at the LCT website.

Chorus members are Eva Gowin, Griffin Miller, Jacinth Kong and Rafe Green, while Tanner Bishop plays Principal Augustus and Tate Whitted plays Mr. Woods.

Theatre critics will be played by Kristy Morrow, Rachael Boyd, Emery Kitterman, Myah Bowman and Chloe McFadden while the flowers are portrayed by Charlotte Judd, Norah Judd, Aria Curtis, Olivia Wrage and Magenta Kong.

Tickets are now available for the performances, to be held June 25 and 26 at 7:30 pm and June 27 at 2 pm at the Lincoln Community High School auditorium, at the Lincoln Community Theatre website (www.lincolncommunitytheatre.org) or at the door.

[Jennifer Keith]