Entertainment : ACT 1's 'Burnt Part Boys' opens on Tilford stage tonight

By Marcy Horst I was asked by ACT I Director Steve Arnold to preview The Burnt Part Boys at the final dress rehearsal last night, as Dean is away. I'm not sure I can be an impartial reviewer for this particular show, as the cast is made up of many of my favorite students. But, hey, they are my favorites for a reason! Foreshadowing - and the first indication that you should come see this show! When I arrived at Tilford auditorium shortly before 6 pm, the situation was tense. The Schmidt brothers, Gabe, Sam, and Stephen, who make up the band with expert pianist Mary Ann Whelchel, had yet to appear. I was unconcerned. In my experience dress rehearsals do not start on time. I had my phone and the school's WIFI password, so I was good. Also, I've worked with this combo, including Mary Ann, on many occasions, so I knew the ensuing music would be worth the wait. Hint #2 - see this show! The production began at 6:10 pm. (Impressive. My dr Pete gazes at the photo of his father. ess rehearsals usually begin 30 minutes late, at a minimum, right, Dean?) Recent high school graduate and speech all-stater David Stanley Steele opened the show with the other members of the chorus of miners, Chris Overturf, Dave Gates, Andrew Wirth, Allissa Hendryx, and Hannah Haisman. Such beautiful, haunting, and melodic music. If you enjoyed the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack you will love this score. #3 - come to the show! The story of the fatherless Twitchell brothers, Pete and Jake, played by Casey Funk and Alex Dick, is set in the mining community of Pickaway, West Virginia. The entire cast did an excellent job of recreating the coal miners' southern mountain dialect. I was excited to see 2016 VS graduate Caleb Kruckenberg take the stage. Caleb plays Chet Taylor, another fatherless coal mine casualty. This musical theatre all-stater did himself and Luther College proud. Oh my goodness, it's amazing the vocal maturity and stage presence one year brings. #4 - don't miss this show! Jake and Chet are getting ready to go fishing before they discover that the dynamite is missing. Logan Murray (Dusty Rivers, Pete's best friend) and Brittany Grendler, who lends beautiful descants and harmonies, and portrays the only female character Frances Boggs, both add so much character and dramatic tension to this fictional play. What a delight! (#5) There are many light-hearted moments, several sad segments, and some adult language in this 100-minute production. Your very youngest children should probably take a pass, but - #6 - you should definitely come, and bring your friends. Burnt Part is based on actual mining events in 19th and 20th century West Virginia. The ACT I production is simply set for added dramatic effect, and includes powerful stage lighting, created by Eric Upmeyer. You will not leave this show unaffected. I've lost count now, but hope my shameless, impartial "review"� has convinced you to take in the show. Yes, I plan to see it again. The Burnt Part Boys opens tonight, Thursday, June 8 at 7 pm, at Tilford Auditorium. Other showings include Saturdays, June 10 and 17 at 7 pm, and Sundays, June 11 and 12 at 2 pm. Be prepared to get up close and personal with the cast. They are only seating patrons in rows one through four. I was not anxious to be seated in the front row, but, trust me, and immerse yourself in theatre! See you on the mountain. (Thanks again to Tony Bopp of Visual Journey Photography for the photo at the top of the page. See more of Tony's photos of the rehearsal HERE.