Matchbox Children’s Theatre will wrap up its 44th Season with “Yankee Doodle: A Musical Review” this weekend at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

This fun musical salute to U.S. history takes the audience on a fast-paced adventure from Paul Revere’s ride in 1776 through the famous flight of Charles Lindbergh in 1927.

Kim Zerke is the Musical Director and has been working with the cast on a wide range of musical styles plus an audience sing-along opportunity. Look forward to gaining some Yankee Doodle Dandy insights during this fascinating Americana experience.                                                                              

“My desire for this play is to bring the great history of our country to light for the children who are participating as well as in the audience,” said Director Angela Donovan. “Adults will gain some fresh insights too. They will learn about many of the important figures in our rich history along with finding out about inventors and innovators you might never have heard about before. I have always loved American history and am enjoying wonderful experience of teaching in this imaginative, creative format. The cast has worked hard on effectively portraying nearly 100 ‘Yankee Doodles’ as they are called in this script. I couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished.”

The play evolved out of the Matchbox Children’s Theatre Camp held in July. All camp participants were welcome to be in the cast, which gave them the opportunity to put what they learn to good use right away. Each of the 24 actors, ranging in age from 8 to 16, took on the challenge of portraying several characters. It is the first stage experience for some while others have been building their skills for several years. This effective combination generates great creative energy and audiences will get to see young talent emerge and grow.

The MCT production of “Yankee Doodle: A Musical Review” is funded in part by a generous grant from Austin Area Foundation, season sponsorships by Cooperative Response Center and Mayo Clinic Health Systems and donations from patrons. They also got support from Austin American Legion Post 91 with the loan of flags to fit the time periods of the play. Matchbox Children’s Theatre also benefits from a General Operating grant made possible through a grant of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Show times for “Yankee Doodle: A Musical Review” are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. Tickets are $6 for ages 14 and younger and $10 for adults.  Ages 2 and younger are admitted free. Tickets are on sale at the Austin ArtWorks Center or on-line at austinareaarts.org and matchboxchildrenstheatre.org. Tickets will also be available at the Paramount Box Office starting one hour before each show.

For more details, contact the Paramount at 507-434-0934.