"Li'l Abner" first appeared on Broadway at the St. James Theater on November 15, 1956 and continued to run for a total of 693 performances.  Norman Panama & Melvin Frank wrote the "book" (that is the correct title of the dialogue script for a musical), Gene de Paul composed the music, and Georgia's own Johnny Mercer created the lyrics. 

The story was based upon the characters created by Al Capp in his comic strip of the same name that appeared in newspapers throughout the United States and Canada.  The characters are a close-knit community of "hillbillies" living in the mythical town of Dogpatch USA.  The strip ran for 43 years, from August 1934 through August 1977.  The make-believe holiday created in the comic strip - Sadie Hawkins Day - is still observed in the form of dances to which women invite the men.  Al Capp died in 1979 and in 2004 was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall Of Fame at the International Museum of Cartoon Art.

If you are looking for a "politically correct" production, you will be sadly disappointed.  True to it's original cartoon creator's "in your face" style, the script ridicules everyone and everything that was happening in the Cold War era of the 1950s.  If, however, you are looking for high energy, physical comedy and satire, then "Li'l Abner" is the perfect show!

As part of our Community Service Recognition Program, WBCT will be donating a portion of each ticket sold for the entire six shows to the Barrow County Food Pantry, offering support and resources to families and individuals in need throughout Barrow County.  The Winder-Barrow Community Theatre urges you to join with them in supporting our local Community Service Organizations. 

For information about up coming shows, please go to Main Stage Season.

Please Note: Main Stage Productions are chosen with mature teens and adults in mind.  While the plays selected are appropriate for this age range, patrons need to understand that a good play reflects real life and, as such, may sometimes contain language and situations not suitable for children. 

For photos from previous shows,
please click here.