THE ROOT BEER BANDITS by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The Root Beer Bandits is a family musical playing at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank.  It’s great for “kids”, but don’t get me wrong.  It’s a hoot for grownups as well.  It’s one of those plays that is so full of energy, adorable characters, original songs, dancing, and just plain ole rip roarin’ fun

            

The Root Beer Bandits takes place in Sarsaparilla City, a frontier town in the 1860’s that thrives on its production of root beer.  This is where we meet up with two characters, Copper Penny (Kelly Brandenburg) and Zeke (Josey Montana McCoy) who have just arrived in town.   Zeke has joined with Copper Penney, a brash lady outlaw, and they are up to no good.  They have come to Sarsaparilla City to rob the town of its supply of root beer!

           

Polly Peppercorn (Grace Yoo), the only female to ride the Pony Express, comes to town to deliver a letter to Sheriff Bailey (Clayton Snyder) and they discover that outlaws are planning to steal the city’s supply of root beer. 

              

Will the robbers get away with their plot or will Sherriff Bailey save the city?   What is the outlook for the future of Sarsaparilla City, the Sherriff, Polly Peppercorn,  to Sally Sue Tucker (Cloe Wyatt Taylor), owner of the only lady’s dress shop who comes across the robbers and the robbers themselves? 

           

There is so much humor throughout the show, and all performed by a wonderful cast.  Accompanying the actors are the Whyman Boys; Ryan Whyman (saloon piano), Blake Estrada (bass), Ben Matthis (guitar/keyboard), and Jordan Bush (banjo/guitar).  Book and lyrics are by Joseph Leo Bwairie and Lori Marshall, music by Rachael Lawrence, choreography by Christine Lakin, the town’s scenic design by Tanya Orellana, and the beautiful costumes by Jessica Champagne-Hansen, directed by Joseph Leo Bwairie.

            

The Root Beer Bandits plays at the Garry Marshall Theatre Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 7 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM, through April 28, at the Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank.  Tickets are available online at garrymarshalltheatre.org, or by phone at (818-955-8108.

Bring the whole gang!!