Entertainment : Meet me in St. Louis entertains audience at the Palace Theatre August 5-8

Meet me in St. Louis, well, meet the cast at the Palace!

If you enjoy musicals, or music in general and a good story,you MUST see, "Meet Me in St. Louis." The musical is fast moving with great costumes actors and actresses. From the youngest to the oldest cast member, you will get immersed in their characters and enjoy every minute of the show.

The story follows the antics of the Smith family on the brink of the World's Fair in 1903-1904. Mr. and Mrs. Smith (played by real-life couple Nathan and Alyssa Groom of Urbana) and their five children, along with the entire cast, sang and danced through life, love and the trolley ride during the early 20th century St. Louis.

The multi-generational cast ranges from "Grandpa" Prophater, which was played by ACT I Veteran David Gates, down to "Tootie" Smith, played by 9-year-old Lauren Hartkemeyer in her ACT I debut.

V-S Elementary Music Teacher Lois Martin appeared as Katie the Housekeeper, and long-time V-S School Board Member and ACT I Veteran Sue Gates who appeared as Alberta Jones.

Classic songs from the musical included "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

For a few pictures from the event, click here.

The performances take place at the Palace Theatre from August 5-8 with six performances planned. Curtain times are 7 pm Thursday, 7 pm Friday, and 2 pm and 6 pm Saturday and Sunday.

All seats are $5 at the door. There are no advance ticket sales.

"World's Fair" concessions will be available from Palace Theatre staff during the show.

Cast List for "Meet Me in St. Louis"

Mr. Alonso Smith- Nathan Groom

Mrs. Anna Smith- Alyssa Groom

Lon Smith- Casey Funk

Rose Smith- Brynn Johnson

Esther Smith- Newelle Dalton

Agnes Smith- Ellie Groom

Tootie Smith- Lauren Hartkemeyer

Grandpa Prophater- David Gates

Housekeeper Katie- Lois Martin

John Truitt- Tucker Mensen

Warren Sheffield- Jeremiah Brown

Lucille Ballard- Charlee Steinke

Postman Neely- Mark Johnson

Motorman Benson- Mitchell Mensen

Eve Benson- Bryleigh Farmer

Alberta Jones- Sue Gates

Eliza Jones- Macey Overturf

Clara Jones- Cate Langridge

Clinton Badger- Levi Mensen

Peewee Drummond- Bradley Jones

Musical Accompaniment:

Lori Ferguson- Conductor/Piano

Charley Cooling- Percussion