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Ashland performers stage 'Let Freedom Sing' By CLEVE TWITCHELL ASHLAND - Ashland Community Theatre was in rehearsal for a production of "Deathtrap" when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York. "We immediately canceled," says spokesman Doug Mitchell, and the group decided to come up with a different show. But board members decided they wanted to do more than just change shows. They created their own original performance tailored to fit the times. And they decided to make it a benefit for families affected by the attacks. As a result, Ashland Community Theatre is now in rehearsal with "Let Freedom Sing." It will begin a seven-performance run on Oct. 11, and all proceeds will go to the World Trade Center Relief Fund. Doug and Leona Mitchell have conceived, written and will direct the show, and Doug will serve as emcee along with Samar Dawisha. Doug Mitchell describes it as "a celebration of the American spirit and way of life in music and words." It takes an "inspirational, uplifting look at the American people in song and poetry," ranging from Carl Sandburg through Abbott and Costello. Songs from Broadway shows and patriotic music will be featured. Barbara Jackson, producer and a board member, says, "We felt our community would best be served by mounting a production of unity, song, healing and giving." The cast will include a virtual who's who of local talent - both singers and actors. Besides the Mitchells and Jackson, look for Leslie Kendall, Jonathan Farwell, Deb Note-Farwell, Beth Baker, Kurt Bernhardt, Brandy Carson and Geoff Riley. Leona Mitchell starred in "Hello, Dolly" at Rogue Music Theatre in Grants Pass, among many other roles. Kendall and her band perform in restaurants and nightclubs around the valley and will be in the Medford Jazz Jubilee Oct. 12-14. Farwell, a veteran Broadway and television actor, frequently performs and directs at Actors' Theatre in Talent, as does his wife, Deb. Baker just performed a concert at the Bybee House on Sept. 22. The others have performed in a variety of Rogue Valley stage productions. Doug Mitchell says there will also be periodic guest appearances by Oregon Shakespeare Festival actors and local residents. "Let Freedom Sing" will be presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 11, 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 21, all at the Ashland Middle School on Walker Avenue. Tickets are $15-$12 and are on sale at Ashland Camera and Paddington Station, both of Ashland. For more information, call the theater group at 482-7532. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.