From freaks to geeks, every former and current St.

Wednesday, March 15, 2000

From freaks to geeks, every former and current St. Joseph High School student has one thing in common – a love of the automobile. And this year’s St. Joe students will showcase the sometimes obsessive teenage adoration of the car in their variety show – "Behind the Wheel in America: A Tribute to the Automobile."

The variety show opens to the public Thursday at 8 p.m. Other show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, said Jennifer Rogers, drama teacher.

"I think we’re ready to go," Ms. Rogers said Tuesday night at the next to the last dress rehearsal before opening night. "We’re putting the final finishing touches on now."

St. Joe students will offer more than a walk down memory lane at this year’s show.

Before the performance Friday night, visitors are welcome to cruise into the parking lot and display or view some of the cool cars in the area, assistant director and teacher Lisa Adkins said.

The annual dinner theater will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday and reservations are required this year, parent and co-chair of the dinner committee Cathy McKnight said.

"We have about 50 seats left out of 200," Mrs. McKnight said. "They can call and reserve a place through early Friday morning."

Reservations may be made by calling 532-0485 or 532-8770. Cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12.

The community seems to have more interest in attending the dinner show this year, Mrs. McKnight added.

"We’ve had more reservations early this year," she said. "We usually get a lot of last-minute reservations."

Without a reservation, local theatergoers may still attend the 8 p.m. showing that night, Mrs. McKnight added.

Increased interest in the locally produced show has been noted and that’s why school officials included an additional Thursday night performance, Mrs. Adkins said.

And Mrs. Adkins doesn’t think she’ll be disappointed with the turnout.

"Some people I’ve talked to think the variety show has a neat theme this year," Mrs. Adkins said. "And I think the kids are having fun. They love doing this. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s fun."

St. Joe performances are always unique and special, said Stephanie McKnight, a junior who has participated in three variety shows.

"I think it’s really different," Miss McKnight said. "It’s neat to experiment and I think it will turn out well. We made this up ourselves and that’s different from any other school play we could ever do."

Action at the Sixth Street Drive-In will surprise and delight every viewer, said Adrian Blackstock, a 10th-grade cast member.

"I think it’s going to go over well," Miss Blackstock said. "It’s very cute this year. My favorite part is the beach party. I think it has a cute surprise that plays well with the audience."

Tickets for this year’s variety show are $3 for students and $5 for adults. Money raised goes toward the betterment of the Ironton Catholic School System.