A train full of laughs is coming to St. Johns Sept. 16 and 17
“Hey, folks, let’s have a show!”
That exclamation could well have spouted from the lips of one of the passengers hopping from a derailed train in search of relief from anxiety for, as it turned out, that’s exactly what happened.
Some locally renowned names headline the cast of the upcoming Off the Rails. WILX anchor Jason Colthorp and Louie Longoria will be joined by stand-ins for Johnny Cash and Sarah Palin.
When a train derailed just outside the depot in St. Johns, the assembled passengers banded together in song, humor and spontaneity to offer up a delightful pastime for their plight, and one that will immensely entertain those who attend one of two showings of Off the Rails, Friday and Saturday Sept. 16 and 17 at the Wilson Center Auditorium in downtown St. Johns.
Jason Colthorp, news anchor for WILX will headline the list of actors, accompanied by many local players and musicians. There’ll be singing, dancing and cutting up among the performers, most of whom have appeared in other local productions, including Ashley Bowen, Andrea Makarauskus, Louie Longoria and Trisha Bellgowan, plus perennial favorites Beth and Tom Webb and Susan DeRosa. These and other performers will be backed by a group of musicians comprised of Rachael Short, Phil Schrantz, Justin Valla, Mike Scholes and Bill Tennant.
The sudden derailment of a train adds apprehension to the plans of a group of travelers but those bad vibes are soon replaced by a spirit of fun brought on by lots of jokes and music. From there, the collective attitude is one of merriment and glee. That gaiety will fill the hearts and minds of those attending and prompt thoughts of amusement well past the last scene.
Off the Rails is not only locally written, produced and presented, but it is a dual fund raiser for a pair of projects currently underway. Proceeds from the play will be divided between the ongoing restoration of Wilson Center Auditorium and the refurbishment of the 1902 Sault Ste. Marie rail car.
Admission to the play is $10.00 per person and performances are both nights at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance through the Clinton County Arts Council Gallery, Monday thru Friday 10a-5:30p and Saturday 10a-2p. The Gallery is located at 215 N. Clinton St. Phone 989 224-2429.