By Marianne Mueller

Touches of spring are in the stateline, and the time is here to allow musical talents to shine.

First to take the spotlight were students in third, fourth and fifth grades at Whitman Post Elementary School. On the evening of Feb. 25, their talents were on full display at the Rockford Ice Hogs game where they had performed “God Bless America” in a perfect blend of melodies and harmonies. Parents and friends filled the stands to listen.

Hononegah High School is presenting this year’s all-school musical, Mary Poppins.

Hononegah Community High School students, Directors and behind the stage magic creators make up the cast, crew, and live pit band, and are teaming up to bring live performances to the Performing Arts Center stage on March 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. and March 12 at 2 p.m. American Sign Language Interpretation will be provided at the March 12 show.

Mary Poppins is an endearing family oriented story. The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family.

Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again.

Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

Fun dance numbers and catchy tunes will allow audiences to relive memories of this all time favorite musical.

Tickets are available for purchase online at hononegah.org. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door one hour before each performance. All tickets are assigned seating. The Box Office will be open every Wednesday starting February 22nd from 4:15 pm – 6 pm. Ticket purchases made with a credit card will have a small processing fee added.

Veritas Christi Theater’ and Choir Team are joining with the Old Stone Church Choir to bring the production of a short, imaginative musical play to life at the Old Stone Church on Sunday evening, March 26. Bring your family and your friends to go “Back to the Summer.” The story line follows a group of kids who wish to return to the beginning of summer so they don’t have to return to school. One of the youth invents a time machine that takes them back to the 1980’s where another meets his Dad as a child. Moving on through different times these students eventually return to school; along with a whole new lot of friends.

Audiences are invited to have extra fun by dressing up in 80’s clothing and hairstyles. Everyone is invited to party at a “Dance Off” plus a round of “Chubby Bunnies.” Showtime is at 6 p.m. This is a family friendly; all around community event. Donations will be accepted to support these two very talented groups.

Following this unique event refreshments will be served.

Local Police and Fire Departments are gearing up for the “Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive. A friendly competition to see who can get the most support through blood donations is taking place on March 20, from noon until 6 p.m. Visit either the Roscoe or Rockton Fire Department to save a life by giving.

To schedule a donation visit RRVBC.ORG., use the MYRRVBC APP., or call 815-965-8751 to make an appointment. As always, walk-ins are welcome!

Next month a cast and crew made up of students and staff at Shirland School will fill the stage with the sounds and scenes from Schoolhouse Rock Jr.-Live.

Mark your calendars now for Thursday, April 20. A future story will have full details on show times, cast members and live interviews with the leads.

Community talents shine year round and with these upcoming events more proof of this fact lies ahead.

 
 
 
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