Justin Fry, 16, Kingsland, winner, Tom Look-Alike.

Hannibal, Missouri, may be a long way from Marble Falls, Texas, but both river towns seem to produce a lot of young folks who look like mischievous Tom Sawyer and his girlfriend Becky Thatcher! And hopefully a lot of wannabe actors and theatre enthusiasts.

HCCT Board members and volunteers staged a look-alike contest May 8 at Springfest in Johnson Park to promote interest in upcoming auditions for the family musical, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Dozens of children and adults who are interested in being involved with the production came forward.

The youths, some dressed-up like the 1840s characters from Mark Twain’s famous book, took a shot at fence-painting and were rewarded with a photograph and free ice cream for themselves and friends.

The Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce (particularly Nancy Stacks) helped with the set-up, and Greg Ryan of A-1 Fence in Marble Falls provided the classical smooth cedar fence. Wal-Mart generously provided gallons of ice cream and utensils. Event volunteers included Dan Alvey, Vickie Cody, Jennifer Jones, Preston and Dale Kirk Ruth Meredith, Whitney Niblet, Al Richardson, Wally and Sally Wright and Gil Wulfson.

“Fence painters” were from as far away as Midland and Ballinger. The winners in the pre-teen category of two

Amanda Hallowell, 11, Burnet, Becky Look-Alike Winner

tickets each to the upcoming play are red-haired Kory Kohutek, 10, of Burnet, and Amanda Hallowell, 11, of Burnet, who showed up in pigtails, checked dress, apron and high-top black shoes.

In the 13-to18 age group, Justin Fry, 16 of Kingsland, and Megan Crownover, 13, of Burnet most impressed the judges. Congratulations to all the entrants and particularly to the close runner-ups for Becky - LeAnn Kohutek, 14, of Bertram, and Tiffany Kortz, 14, of Bertram.

The Broadway musical version, written by Ken Ludwig, was based on Twain’s novel about a 14-year-old boy in early Missouri on the banks of the Mississippi River.The irresistible story has Tom matching wits with Aunt Polly; convincing his buddies to whitewash a fence and reward him; and general high jinks with his best buddy Huckleberry Finn. He falls in love with Becky Thatcher and along the way meets the terrifying Injun Joe.

The show will be performed by about 30 adults and children from Aug. 5 - 22. The cast includes nine men, six women, and at least eight boys and five to 10 girls of all ages. Auditions will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, at HCCT, 4003 West FM 2147 in Cottonwood Shores between Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay. Scripts are now available for check-out and preview, and families are encouraged to make it a “family project.”

HCCT has an open casting policy, with pre-casting forbidden. No experience is required. All parts require some basic stage movement. Auditions consist of cold readings. If a person is able to sing a solo, bring a prepared song. A piano accompanist will be provided or bring your own taped music.

Everyone, regardless of experience, is encouraged to try-out, and volunteers for lighting, props, stage management, make-up, costumes and set construction also are welcome to attend the audition. Rehearsals are typically held Mondays through Thursdays between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., but may be earlier and shorter for child actors. Minor scheduling conflicts can be accommodated with adequate notice.

For more information on the current performance of Grace and Glorie or for tickets, membership, volunteer opportunities (box office, costumes, make-up, props, lighting, sound, set building and painting), auditions or script checkout, please contact the HCCT Box Office at 830-798-8944, or the Executive Office at 830-693-2474.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Preston F. Kirk, APR, Publicity, HCCT Governor, Spicewood, TX, 830-693-4447; F 693-9898, kirk@281.com