MAHS presents wholesome 'State Fair'

Area residents might experience a lot of familiar sites, sounds and emotions during the Morris Area High School's production of the musical "State Fair."

The MAHS cast, musicians and crew will present "State Fair" on Nov. 19-21 at the school auditorium, with 7:30 p.m. performances each night and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 21. Tickets will be available at the door.

The stage production of "State Fair" is an adaptation of the movie first produced in 1945. It's the story of a family and their adventures during the 1946 Iowa State Fair.

"It's a pretty wholesome and fun musical," said director Todd Mattson.

In addition to a cast and crew of about 30 people, MAHS band teacher Wanda Dagen will direct an ensemble of about 20-30 musicians in the orchestra pit. Choir teacher John Kleinwolterink also is working extensively with the singers, and English and drama teacher Dave Johnson is working with set construction, Mattson said.

"It works well for us," Mattson said. "We're flexible enough that we've got a lot of the cast playing multiple characters. All in all, I think people will see a very heart-warming musical."

Mattson said "State Fair" has been on a list of possible productions at MAHS for several years. Auditions began in mid-September, "and we've been rolling ever since. It's a lot of work but it's a lot of fun."