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Shows for every taste: Allenberry Playhouse updates 2014 schedule

BOILING SPRINGS – Yogi Berra wasn’t the only one who uttered those immortal words, “It’s deja vu all over again.” Allenberry Playhouse’s artistic director must have be tempted to quote Yogi when, after announcing the 2014 season last summer, he ended up bumping four of the six attractions this past winter, and then having to seek replacements.

Last year, the third attraction in the 2013 lineup was scratched, meaning that with no replacement, the second show “Happy Days:?The Musical” has its four-week run extended an additional four weeks.

This year, only “Dixie Swim Club” and “Oklahoma” survived the original announcement with three musicals “Cats,” “I Love A Piano,” “Buddy” and season finale comedy “Catch Me If You Can” disappearing from Allenberry’s 2014 lineup.

So with the exception of only the opening comedy, Allenberry Playhouse announces its revised 2014 all musical season:

“Dixie Swim Club,” now through May 11 – This warm-hearted comedy about the power of endearing friendship is set in a secluded beach house in North Carolina’s Outer Banks where five bosom buddies from their college’s swim team meet annually. Starting in 1995 when each “swimmer” is 44 years old, the convincing funny portrait of the five friends spans 33 years. Each reunion focuses on catching up on family news, sharing any heartbreaks or betrayals and good old-fashioned Southern gossip. Billed as a blend of “Same Time, Next Year” and “Steel Magnolias,” Allenberry Playhouse’s season opener should have broad-based appeal.

“Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath,” May 14 to June 15 – It’s obviously Allenberry’s favorite farce, which is back again for perhaps the fourth or fifth time (I’ve seen it twice previously). Set in the Roaring ’20s, the play follows a bold college girl who falls hopelessly in love with a shy professor. Terrified, he seeks to hide from her, but ends up in a Turkish bathhouse surrounded by 10 beautiful, barely-dressed women. It’s funny and frantic, no matter how many times seen.

“42nd Street,” June 18 to July 20 – Allenberry invites everyone to come and meet their dancing feet on “42nd Street.” Will young Peggy Sawyer from Allentown find fame and fortune on Broadway? Returning to Allenberry after almost two decades, this top-tapping musical is loaded with snazzy songs: “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re In the Money,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and, of course, “42nd Street.”

“Oklahoma,” July 23 to Aug. 31 – Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic musical opened on Broadway nearly 70 years ago. Back again on Allenberry’s stage, the familiar tale is set on America’s western frontier in 1906 as the Oklahoma territory readies for statehood. Colorful characters abound and with a classic score and lively dancing woven into the storyline, “Oklahoma” spins the love story between cowboy Curly and farm girl Laurey.

“Mame,” Sept. 3 to 28 – Full of outlandish characters but none more outlandish than Auntie Mame, Jerry Harman’s musical is hilarious but also often touching. Mame is a free-spirited woman who has everything but a family. When her 10-year-old nephew shows up on her doorstep, “Mame” decides that her charge needs to see the world and off they go on a 20-year journey.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes,” Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 – The off-Broadway hit is set at the 1958 Springfield High School prom where The Wonderettes, four girls with dreams as big as their crinoline skirts not only share their hopes but also classic rock and roll hits from the ’50s and ’60s. Songs include “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick On Your Collar,” “It’s My Party … ” and dozens more.

Allenberry Playhouse, 1559 Boiling Springs Road (Route 174), offers professional theater from April through November with an Christmas show in December and Murder-Mystery Weekends through the winter and early spring.

For more information, call 800-430-5468 or 717-258-3211 or visit www.allenberry.com.

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