Of Thee I Sing

By George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind

Directed by Steven Nibbe

Just in time for the 2004 presidential election, the Verona Area High School Theatre Department, directed by Steven Nibbe, presents its fall musical, an updated version of OF THEE I SING, a Pulitzer Prize-winning political satire.

OF THEE I SING, written by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, centers around a fictitious presidential candidate, John P. Wintergreen. Wintergreen, chosen because of his presidential-sounding name, is pressed by his committee to hold a national beauty contest to choose "Miss White House". The plan, concocted to push Wintergreen into the public spotlight, works perfectly, with beautiful Southern belle, Diana Devereaux, happily winning the contest. However, things go awry when Wintergreen falls in love with his secretary, Mary Turner, instead of Diana. Although the public is first outraged, it soon accepts this pairing, because of the delicious corn muffins Mary can make!

Wintergreen and Mary are soon married, ahd he is elected president by a large majority. However, it isn't long until Daina shows up and stirs up trouble, which results in even more hilarious scenarios! Wintergreen, Mary, and Diana, humorous suppporting characters such as the ignored Vice President Throttlebottom and the French Ambassador, and the lively chorus form a vibrant and talented cast. Put together with the catch music, witty lyrics, clever script, and colorful sets, OF THEE I SING is a magnificent show which adds a touch of humor to many interesting and relevant political issues.

Joseph Ringeisen is the technical director, Judy Georgeson is the musical director, and John Georgeson conducts the pit orchestra.

Produced by Verona Area High School (VAHS) at Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, 900 N. Richard St., Verona, WI 53593

Performances: Sept. 30 - October 3, 2004

7:30 p.m. 9/30 - 10/2; 2 p.m. 10/3

Ticket Prices $8 ($6 Senior citizens on 9/30 and 10/3)

Call (608) 845-4488 for reservations or more information.

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