The Union High School Fine Arts Department under the direction of Tim J. Mitchell, Korina Carlson and Mike Bistline announce their upcoming production of the full scale musical hit, “State Fair”.

Based on the 1945 Film, The current version of “State Fair” made its debut during the 1995 Iowa State Fair on Aug. 12th at the Des Moines Civic Center before going on an extensive national tour. It then made its Broadway home at the Music Box Theatre in NYC running for 110 performances.

With amazing classic songs written by American Icons Rodgers and Hammerstein, “State Fair” follows one Iowa family and their hopes and dreams surrounding the 1946 Iowa State Fair. The entire story revolves around a friendly wager between the Patriarch of the Frake family, Abel and his pessimistic feed salesman friend, Dave Miller. Abel brags that he has the best Hampshire boar in the state and will win the Sweepstakes award. Dave Miller says, “You might, but then something bad might happen to someone else in the family. After all, there is a law of compensation in this world”. They bet $5.00 that nothing bad will happen to the Frakes at the fair.

The adventure begins as we watch Mrs. Frake’s struggle (after years of trying) of finally winning a prize in pickles and mincemeat, Daughter Margy falling for a slick UPI news reporter, Son Wayne become enamored by a much older night club singer and finally Abel’s battle to win the Hog sweepstakes with his pride and Joy “Blue Boy”. Will the Frake family come out on top? Or will the pessimistic Dave Miller prove right that the “law of compensation” will keep everything in balance?

“State Fair” is filled with classic Rodgers and Hammerstein melodies like “It’s A Grand Night For Singing“, and “It Might As Well Be Spring” along with foot stomping numbers like “All I Owe Ioway” and “Our State Fair”. A cast of 38 students will bring this production to life at the Matt Auditorium at 7:00pm on Friday and Saturday, March 18th & 19thst. Reserved tickets from the production may be purchased at the Union High School office beginning Monday, March 7th weekdays between the hours of 7:30am and 3:30pm. Cost of each seat is $5.00. More information can be obtained by contacting Tim J. Mitchell at t_mitchell@union.k12.ia.us.