'Prodigal Sons'
BUTLER TWP — “The Prodigal Sons,” the second musical of Valencia resident Jeannie Allen, will be performed Aug. 28, 29 and 30 at the Succop Theater on the campus of Butler County Community College.
Allen also wrote “Esther the Musical.”
Brian Louttit portrays the younger prodigal son, and Sam Bartley plays the elder brother who finds it difficult to forgive.
Tim Waldenville plays the dad who is heartbroken when his son goes to Reno and leaves the farm.
The cast of 16 sings a Broadway-style song “He's Home,” while the older brother sings the angry “You Never Killed a Fatted Calf for Me.”
Allen's son, David, an ordained minister, wrote a country song called “Don't Get Detoured” that he sings in the show.
Her daughter, Mary Phillips, who for seven years played the role of Esther in her mother's first musical, also is in this show. She sings a number she wrote, “Feeling Alive.”
Another daughter, Kat Rickenback, sings a bluesy song with Jim McKee who plays an Elvis impersonator.
Allen wrote the grand finale song “Bringing Me Back” and recorded it on her second album in 1985.
Altogether, the musical has 16 original songs.
Curtain will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 30. Admission is $10.
For more information about “The Prodigal Sons,” visit theesthermusical.com.
