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The Mayor, played by Valdosta Mayor John Fretti, challenges the claims of showman P.T. Barnum, played by Daryl Ragsdale, in the Gingerbread Players’ ‘Bigger Than Life.’

Pecos Bill, played by Blake Fountain, with the Cowboy, played by Samantha McLendon, and Mother, played by Kate Evans, in the Gingerbread Players’ ‘Bigger Than Life.’

Published May 13, 2008 11:21 pm - A group of Valdosta-Lowndes County youngsters are about to become “Bigger Than Life,” with a little help from Gingerbread Players of Theatre Guild Valdosta and Valdosta Mayor John Fretti.

‘Bigger Than Life’
Gingerbread Players presents show this weekend

Dean Poling
The Valdosta Daily Times

VALDOSTA —

A group of Valdosta-Lowndes County youngsters are about to become “Bigger Than Life,” with a little help from Gingerbread Players of Theatre Guild Valdosta and Valdosta Mayor John Fretti.

Fretti joins several youngsters in the cast of this one-performance-only show this weekend. And it is fair to say that John Fretti has been typecast since the Valdosta mayor will play the show’s mayor.

The essence of playwright Cynthia Mercati’s play: “‘Bigger Than Life’ is a whimsical tale that brings America’s legends to life in a lively, delightful performance that will appeal to all ages. This show is fast paced and energetic. The actors often interact with the audience, involving the children in various songs, stories and actions. As P.T. Barnum might say, prepare to be amused, amazed, astounded, edified and infinitely entertained.”

And there’s good reason to paraphrase the legendary showman P.T. Barnum. He’s a character in the show. So is sure-shot Annie Oakley, folk hero Pecos Bill, along with pirates and cowboys and more.

This show marks the directorial debut of Jennifer Scott, the Guild’s long-time PR rep, and features both Gingerbread Player regulars and newcomers.

Originally planned as a fund-raiser, plans changed last week, but the show will go on. “Bigger Than Life” will play Saturday on the VeggieTales stage of Wild Adventures. It comes a day after the Guild presents two performances of the comedy “Graceland” at 7 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. Friday, The Dosta Playhouse, as part of Downtown Valdosta’s Art After Dark events.

THE CAST: John Fretti, Madison Clemmons, Mallory Taylor, Kara Nelson, McKinley Anderson, Daryl Ragsdale, Blake Fountain, Laine Fletcher, Kate Evans, Samantha McLendon, Kaitlyn Allbritton, Dane Tillman, Laura Smidt, Casey VanNortwick, Darla Dunning, A.J. Rogers, Mikey Scott, Katelynn Kenworthy, Hannah Trowell.

DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Jennifer Scott, director; Lynnette Kenworthy, production advisor; Pauline Player, props; Lois Allbritton, photographer; Cadden Anderson, publicity.

SHOWTIME

Gingerbread Players of Theatre Guild Valdosta presents “Bigger Than Life.”

When: Noon Saturday.

Where: VeggieTales stage, Wild Adventures, Old Clyattville Road.