Cast members rehearse for “Everyone Loves Camping,” the Book & Blanket Players’ summer 2024 production. (Provided photo)

KEENE VALLEY –The Book & Blanket Players Youth Theatre has announced casting days support for the annual summer musical-in-a-week theatre production in Keene Valley.

This summer, the Book & Blanket Players bring a classic musical for the whole family to life — “Meet Me in St. Louis” by Sally Benson, Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin, and Hugh Wheeler. Set in turn-of-the-century St. Louis, the musical focuses on the Smith family who is as excited as anyone would be when the World’s Fair is set to open in their own home town. The musical features popular songs like “The Boy Next Door,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Trolley Song.”

“This is one of my favorite movie musicals,” said Kathleen Recchia, director/producer and Book & Blanket Players founder. “Some cast members from last summer’s musical-in-a-week expressed interest when I brought up the prospect of doing this show this summer. I’m thrilled to be able to share it with them.”

The intensive youth musical theatre workshop will run from July 6 through July 13 at Keene Central School in Keene Valley.

Casting days are set for Friday, May 9 from 3:15 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.. Ages 8 to 18 are invited to participate and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration forms are available by contacting Kathy Recchia at 518-708-3606 or e-mailing bookinnjay@aol.com. The registration fee is $125.

Many of the production team members from previous years will be returning this summer, including vocal coach-master class teacher Alisa Endsley. Endsley is well known in the Broadway community. As a leading actress, Endsley has worked with some of the biggest names on Broadway, including composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Trevor Nunn, and Tony-winning actors Patti Lupone, George Hearn and Betty Buckley.

Other members of the team include co-director Annie Scavo, Maddy Runyon, Kim Peralta and Lia Looms.

This is the 15th year for the players to take on the musical-in-a-week format. They began with the musical “Mirette,” followed by the first incarnation of the original musical “Road to Dannemora.” They have taken on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and produced the Broadway musical of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women.” Two years ago, they presented their own musical twist to the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, “Treasure Island.” And last year, they produced the original musical “Everyone Loves Camping” written by Cooper Halloran, Sadie Burgess and Recchia.

The Book & Blanket Players produces in partnership with East Branch Friends of the Arts.