SHAMOKIN - Preparations are starting to "come together" for a new original musical comedy that features area children and young adults performing a variety of tunes written by the Beatles, and band members Paul McCartney and the late John Lennon.
"The Roads" tells the story of a young girl named Abbey who is trying to find her place in the world as she auditions for a band, all while dealing with an eccentric family.
It is written and directed by Meagan Baumgartner, who has previously organized talent for "Anthracite Idol" and directed numerous productions for Anne Miles Children's Theater and the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities, sponsors of the latest production.
Baumgartner was inspired to write the musical after watching the summer movie flick "Rock of Ages," which uses classic rock music to tell the story of a small town girl and a city boy who meet on the Sunset Strip, while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.
In "The Roads," four musicians will play the music while the rest of the cast sings along. In all, 25 people between the ages of five and 17 are involved in the production. There is no playback of music, Baumgartner said.
"It is tailored to the kids in it," she said. "After auditions, I went back and rewrote it to what talent we had."
According to Baumgartner, the musical is backed by several strong male voices - a rarity in musicals, she added.
"I think it's the most humorous musical I have done," she said.
Baumgartner said non-Beatles fans should not be deterred from seeing the show. She used the example of a young male singer who initially "didn't like" one of the songs.
"He really gets into it now," she said. "You can really feel things coming together."
The show will be presented 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25. at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center.
