GRAVETTE — Last month’s ice and snow canceled rehearsals for the upcoming production of “Over the Rainbow” at the Gravette High School Performing Arts Center. But director Ian Galloway, GHS drama department, faced enthusiastic student cast members “energized and ready to get to work,” said Suzanne Jessup, publicity chair.

The spring musical features music from the film production with a cast of more than 25. Professional costuming will enhance the production.

The curtain will rise on the first performance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, at the PAC. This will follow an “Over the Rainbow” dinner at 5:30 p.m. prepared by the GHS Culinary Arts Department under direction of Seanne Sain.

Limited seating will be available at the dinner which will feature a menu “starting with ‘Haunted Forest Apples’ salad. After braving the broccoli forest and the yellow potato road, the entree will feature ‘Courageous Piccata Chicken’. The final course will be Ruby Red Slipper Pie or Glenda’s Sparkling Cheesecake with raspberry sauce, Jessup explained.

Performance tickets, $8 for adults, $3 for students, and $7 for the dinner, limited to 300 persons, are available at Gravette schools and at banks in Gravette, Hiwasse and Bella Vista.

Community, Pages 16 on 03/16/2011