The Strand Theater Initiative announces the return of the North Pittsburgh Musical Showcase, which will be presented at Butler County Community College's Succop Theater in Butler on Saturday, May 1 at 8:00pm.  This is the second year for the groundbreaking event; a High School Musical Invitational, in which school districts from all over the North Pittsburgh region will perform segments from their Spring productions in a non-competitive, showcase environment.

"We are thrilled with the diverse school districts and variety of performances that will grace the Succop Theater stage," stated Claudia Thies, Event Coordinator for The Initiative, "We have 10 schools from three counties and musical programs as contemporary as 'Working' and 'Big' to classics like 'Damn Yankees' and 'Peter Pan.'" 

The North Pittsburgh Musical Showcase was developed to give students and faculty from throughout the area the chance to experience each others programs, spur interaction between schools and give young thespians the opportunity to perform for a new audience, "These kids work so hard for months to create these productions and it's over after one or two weekends of performances," added Thies, "We're happy to provide them with a new forum to express their talent."

Initiative President Ron Carter explains that the group's mission as a non-profit corporation is to provide educational as well as cultural growth and that this event furthers that mission, "We're also very gratified to the administration and staff at Butler County Community College for donating the use of their state-of-the-art facility for this event", Carter added.

A new aspect for this year's event is the addition of professional orchestral accompaniment.  The Initiative was awarded a grant through the Venango Center for Creative Development and PA Partners in the Arts to cover the cost of the musicians, "Thanks to these groups, students and patrons will enjoy an added dimension to the program that only professional accompaniment can provide."

Tickets are $8 adult, $6 students & seniors with proceeds benefiting The Initiative, which plans to create a cultural, education and community outreach center from Zelienople's old Strand Theater.  Tickets may be ordered by calling 724.742.0400 or going online at www.thestrandtheater.org.

The following schools have committed to performing for The North Pittsburgh Musical Showcase: Pine-Richland (Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Vincentian Academy (Honk), Big Beaver Falls (Peter Pan), Hampton (Bye Bye Birdie), Ambridge (Big), Quigley Catholic (Guys & Dolls), Karns City (Damn Yankees), St. Joseph, Natrona Heights (Children of Eden), Montour (Working) and Riverside, Ellwood City (The Music Man). 

For more information and interview opportunities, contact Ron Carter, The Strand Theater Initiative at 724.742.0400 or thestrand@zoominternet.net.  Larry Stock, BC3 Cultural Center Director, 7 2 4.2 8 7.8 7 11 or larry.stock@bc3.edu.