Payson Roundup

Kathleen Kelly photo

The Black Box Studio at Payson High School will host “The Home Town Country Radio Show” at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28. The cast, from left, Jim Norman, Doc Holiday, Barbara Sturlin, Aurora Sturlin, Zack Horsley, Jim West, Kathleen Kelly, Pam Barnes, Kendra Dozier, Don Dozier and Ken Brooks will bring old-fashioned radio theater to life in the production.

It may not exactly be the “Prairie Home Companion” but you might find shades of that National Public Radio cornerstone. Mark your calendar for 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Black Box Studio at the Payson High School for the one-hour premiere of the “Home Country Radio Show” featuring great comedy, music and fun.

Look for some of Payson’s best talent to take part.

Jim West has rounded up his friends and wait until you hear what happens when they start a pickin’ and a strummin’! Among the musical performers are Junction 87, Trouble in Paradise and Jinx Pyle.

There will be lots of town characters to meet too: like Floyd Klipper, who owns the Bent Rock Barber Shop; Abigail Snoop, who gives the latest gossip; Fannie May Gump may be there — if she can stay awake long enough, she’s 103; meet the mayor, who will try to bring order at the town council; find out what’s cookin’ at Grandma’s Diner.

Ken Brooks will host the fun. Kathleen Kelly is the show’s writer and director. You may have enjoyed her work in the Zane Grey Murder Mystery for Payson’s 125th Anniversary, last fall’s Melodrama in Green Valley Park for the Heritage Festival, or at the improvisational comedy fun of the Humor Me Comedy Group.

Kelly believes there is a need for a place for Rim Country students to take part in professional theater in Payson. She has included the high school students in her productions and Saturday there will be three talented high school students performing: Zack Horsley, Aurora Sturlin and Kendra Huston. The cast also includes Pam Barnes, Don Dozier, Doc Holiday, Jim Norman and Barbara Sturlin.

The proceeds from the evening will go to start a scholarship fund for the drama students at Payson High and to create a place for theater in Payson. Purchase tickets for only $5 at KMOG or at the door of the Black Box Studio at Payson High (the metal building located behind the PHS auditorium.