Evelyn Riehl, author of the script and score for Sunday Rock—The Folk Musical, meets with two young cast members before the opening show on July 18 who perform the Lumberjack Alphabet outlined in the Program & Historical Guide. (Photo by Ruth McWilliams)

COLTON -- Nearly 300 people turned out to the opening of Evelyn Riehl’s Sunday Rock -The Folk Musical July 18 at Colton-Pierrepont Central School.

Showgoers displayed their enthusiasm with thunderous applause as cast members took their bows.

 The show program also is a historical guide. Bill Riehl, Executive Producer of the show, commented “it really is a resource for learning, teaching and living here.” The production is financially supported by many individuals, families, organizations and businesses in the area which are acknowledged in the show program as well as on the Sunday Rock website (http://sundayrock.com) under The Musical.

 The producing organizations—Colton Historical Society, Colton-Pierrepont Central School and Grasse River Players—are looking ahead even as the show goes on. Evelyn Riehl’s folk musical has brought these three organizations together twenty years after its first production; and now the organizations are looking ahead to how they can continue working together. A collaborative venture is envisioned, creating intergenerational experiences integrating historical, educational and theatrical interests.

 Sunday Rock - The Folk Musical will be presented three more times at Colton-Pierrepont Central School before and after Colton Country Day being held this coming Saturday, July 20. The remaining shows are Thursday and Friday, July 19 and 20, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m.

On show days tickets are available at the door. Tickets for other shows continue to be available at four ticket outlets: Colton Information Center at Stone Valley, 95 Main Street (Museum) in hamlet of Colton; Raquette River Information Center on State Highway 56 in hamlet of South Colton (across from the Post Office); The TAUNY Center, 53 Main Street in Canton; and Northern Music & Video, 29 Market Street in Potsdam. Tickets also can be requested and held at the box office by e-mailing: sundayrock@localnet.com.

The six Major Sponsors for the production are: Barrett Paving Materials, Inc.; Buck Funeral Home; Colton Citizens Committee; JC Merriman, Inc.; North Country Savings Bank; and Town of Colton Tourism and Beautification Committee.