Flower Power Cornstalk Music Festival coming to the Lodge

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It may not be Woodstock, but there is a big crowd of kids excited to have Canyon Lakers come out to support their production of “Flower Power” this weekend at the Lodge. The curtain rises this evening, July 31, at 7 p.m., with additional shows tomorrow, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.

In this 60s-themed production, Starpetal and her girl band, “Flower Power,” start a student sit-in at Valley High, but the school principal denies their request for a battle of the bands. They really want to go up against the boys’ band, “Peter, Paul, and Harry” so they finally make it happen at Ole MacDonald’s farm.

Shelly and the Darnettes are played by Cassidy Potter as Shelly, center back, and Maylaya Moore, Cristina Renteria and Alicia Fernandes. Photo by Bobbie Starr Pigeon.

Hippie Shreddy Freddy, the mystic Maharishi, Bruiser and his bikers, and Max King, the famous record promoter, all get drawn into the excitement that becomes the Cornstalk Music Festival. Though it begins with the two school bands, it’s “The Kooks,” a top British rock group, that really sparks the festivities.

Everything goes wild when the bikers invade the event; but Big Mama knows how to tame them and calm the crowd. Lighting effects, a psychedelic backdrop, silly face makeup, groovy clothing and a 60s rock beat all contribute to make this an unforgettable musical!

Canyon Lake Community Theatre has put together this production with the help of many adult and youth volunteers. CLCT President Melanie Otten says, “We are sure that you will enjoy the high level of excitement from the cast of kids ages kindergarten through 8th grade. For some of them, this will be their very first time on stage and for others this will be the last year for them to be in the summer kids’ show.

She adds that, as a community theater group, CLCT could not put on shows like this without the help of family members and other volunteers who work behind the scenes.

Directing kids’ shows since 1999, Director Ilene Moore continues to share her love of live theater, music and dance with the young people of Canyon Lake and surrounding communities. This summer, Ilene has been assisted by a new producer, Jamie Woodward, whose children, James and Katie, are in the play. Jamie was trained by Sue Collins and Sharlene Landau, who donated their expertise to the kids’ shows for more than 15 years.

A number of young people who performed in past years also have helped with “Flower Power.” Among others, they include Kyra and Josh Daly, Shat Gill, Cole Nolan, Zac Voss, Chase Traub and Alex Landau. Alex, who started acting with Canyon Lake Community Theatre at the age of 4, just graduated from high school and has been accepted into the world renowned Young Americans, a college touring group of performers.

Costume Designer Heidi Nolan has worked alongside Ilene since her kids got involved with Ilene in theater at Butterfield Elementary School years ago.

Be sure to check out the entire production team and benefactors listed in the program.

Tickets can be purchased at POA Member Services or by calling 951-746-4619. They also are available at the door. They are $18 for reserved seating, $15 for general, $12 for student/senior (65 and up) and $10 for children under 12.

Those who would like to enjoy Sunday brunch at the Lighthouse Restaurant on August 2 can show their “Flower Power” ticket and receive a 10 percent discount.

To learn more about the Canyon Lake Community Theatre and Performing Arts Association, visit CLCTPA.org.