The Sheboygan Theatre Company announces the cast and crew for “Meet Me in St. Louis," the annual holiday production for the Seventy-Sixth Season, which is sponsored by The Stefanie H. Weill Charitable Fund and Acuity for the Arts. This lavish musical based on the popular movie starring Judy Garland continues the organization’s tradition of presenting live entertainment to the Sheboygan area while providing opportunities for local people to participate in the theatrical arts.

With a book by Hugh Wheeler and music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, “Meet Me in St. Louis" brings to the stage the heart-warming and beloved 1944 film of the same title. Utterly charming and truly wholesome, this is an old-fashioned, Broadway musical comedy that tells all about the excitement and anticipation that the 1904 World’s Fair generates in the hearts of a turn-of-the-century American family.

In the coveted role of daughter Esther is newcomer Sarah Krupka, while her sister is played by Jody Tempas, who will be remembered as Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker” and was last seen as Miss Scarlet in “Clue.” Frank Weidner, who was Dennis in “All Shook Up,” Is college-bound brother Lon. Their younger sisters, Agnes and Tootie, are played respectively by Hilary Mayer and Hannah Staats. Mayer was in the chorus of “All Shook Up,” while Staats last appeared in “The King & I.”

Newcomer James Lammers is the father of the household, while Sharon Quinn, Sandra in “All Shook Up,” is his wife, Mrs. Smith. Completing the family are Katie, the maid, played by Char Koehler and Bob Deyo as Grandpa Prophater. Koehler has performed a number of character roles, most recently as Mrs. Harper in “Miracle on 34^th Street,” while Deyo was last seen as Professor Willard in “Our Town.”

Appearing as family boy and girlfriends are David Colton, Tegan Herman, Elizabeth Plotka and Holland White, while John Cook, Connor Giles and Kyle Schwanke step out of the ensemble in featured parts. The chorus includes Atheana Albrecht, Ariannah Albrecht, Neil Beaton, Ryan Bell, Mackenzie Birkey, Erika Herrmann, Clark Kirst, Angela Landgraf and Anna Macknick. Other singers and dancers are Molly McCoy, Jennifer Ross, Sara St. Thomas, Bob Staats, Lee Tempas, Steven Thaves, Hope White, Heidi White and Tera Zielgelbauer.

Directed by Guest Director Ryan Klug, “Meet Me in St. Louis” features musical direction by Janice Westphal and choreography by Veronica Hilke. Dustin L. Uhl, the staff Technical Director/Designer, is designing the sets and Rick Klein and Doug Kleinhans the lights. Costume designs are by Bernard J. Markevitch with make-up designs by Bobbi Schad and Phyllio Toniolo. Scott A. Heck is the sound designer, while Lynne Zimmermann and Stephanie Gibson are the property masters. Master carpenter on the show is Lee J. Schneider, paint master is Melissa O’Connell and master electrician is Dave Steinmeyer. Assistant stage managers Michelle Bestul and Kevin M. Lampe are working with production stage manager Shari Roehl.

"Meet Me in St. Louis" will open Friday, December 4, and be performed each evening through Saturday, December 12, with the exceptions of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. There is also a matinee on Sunday, December 6. The production will be presented at the Leslie W. Johnson Theatre, 2820 Union Avenue, Sheboygan, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and the matinee at 2:00 p.m.

Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors sixty and over and $10 for youngsters through high school and college students. Tickets are available at the Theatre Company office in the Community Recreation Department, 607 S. Water Street, or at the theatre box office 45 minutes before curtain of each performance. Season Tickets guaranteeing admission for the four remaining productions are still available at $55 for adults and $27.50 for students. To learn more visit www.sheboygantheatercompany.com and then call 920/459-3779 to reserve tickets or for further information.