Last week, we lauded the efforts of high school musicians for their efforts in participating in district concert band, chorus and jazz and contemporary A Cappella. We will continue to follow them as they hope to advance to regional competitions for concert band and chorus.

This week, our focus shifts to high school productions at Mifflin County High School for “Anastasia: The Musical,” which received amazing reviews. This weekend, the curtain goes up at Juniata High School for “The Music Man” and at East Juniata High School for “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” If dress rehearsals are any indication, audiences will be in for a real treat. (Don’t forget today is Dinner and a Show Night at Juniata. It’s an important fundraiser for the drama club and cross country team.)

Mifflin County’s local theater group, the Stone Arch Players, also presents their latest production, “The Tell-Tale Farce” at Theatre in the Park at Kishacoquillas Park in Lewistown. It’s important to support them as well as they provide an important pipeline to younger students who want to continue with community theater.

All of these productions are classics and certainly the level of showmanship locally is something to be proud of.

In a time when streaming dominates our search for entertainment, it’s important to support the efforts of these groups. These productions are filled with talented actors and musicians who deserve a tremendous round of applause. Performing before packed houses should go without saying.

All of the actors and others involved with these productions have been working diligently on them for months, dedicating their time to entertain their audiences. It’s important the seats are full in a show of support.

All of their efforts are top notch – from the acting and music (sound) to the directing and set designs. Thank you to everyone involved for keeping the arts alive in the Juniata Valley. Bravo for what you do and break a leg in all of the upcoming performances.