By Steve Arnold, ACT 1 of Benton County ACT I's upcoming production, the musical The Burnt Part Boys, is a moving and powerful tribute to the love between fathers, sons, and brothers. The show, which opens June 8, concludes its run with two performances on Fathers' Day. The musical, a rich, beautifully written blend of comic and dramatic elements, is set in West Virginia coal mining country, and is set to a lively, tuneful Bluegrass score. The Burnt Part Boys is the story of two headstrong teenage brothers, Jake and Pete Twitchell, whose father was killed with eleven other men in a coal mining accident ten years earlier. The mine, known to the locals as "The Burnt Part," � has been abandoned since the accident. Jake, an eighteen-year old coal miner, has taken care of Pete for several years after their mother became unable to do so, and has made considerable sacrifices for his brother. When the mining company announces plans to reopen The Burnt Part, conflict erupts between the brothers. For Jake, it means a promotion and a better life for himself and Pete. But for Pete, reopening the mine means a desecration of their father's grave. It's a conflict that seems to have no possible resolution. Pete steals dynamite from Jake's mining supplies and starts the treacherous journey up the side of the mountain to the abandoned mine with his friends Dusty and Frances. When Jake discovers the dynamite is missing, he realizes what Pete intends to do and sets off after him with his friend Chet. Chet and Frances also lost their fathers in the mining accident, and the five are bonded by the tragedy. As the teenagers work their way toward the Burnt Part, the characters unfold in this compelling coming of age story. The musical, written by Mariana Elder with music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tyson, will be presented in a studio style format on the Tilford stage in six performances over two weekends. A talk back for the audience will be held with the actors after each performance. The musical premiered in an off-Broadway run in 2010. Playing the leading role of Pete Twitchell is Casey Funk. Pete's older brother Jake is played by Alex Dick, Jake's friend Chet Taylor is played by Caleb Kruckenberg, Pete's best friend Dusty Rivers is played by Logan Murray and Brittany Grendler plays Frances Boggs. The miners' chorus includes David Steele, Dave Gates, Chris Overturf, Andrew Wirth, Hannah Haisman, and Allissa Hendryx. David Steele also plays three fantasy characters from the movie The Alamo, Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie. The pit band is directed by percussionist Stephen Schmidt, and includes Sam Schmidt on guitar, Gabe Schmidt on bass, and pianist Mary Ann Whelchel. The play is directed by Steve Arnold, assisted by Monica Funk and music director Michala Martin. Performance dates are June 8, 10, 17 and 18 at 7:00 pm and June 11 and 18 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased online at www.act1.org. Seating will be limited to the first four rows of the auditorium in order to keep the audience and actors in close proximity. Parental Advisory: The script contains some strong language.