The Stone Bridge Middle School presented its rendition of Al Capp’s popular comic strip ‘Li’l Abner.’
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
UPPER FREEHOLD The Stone Bridge Middle School presented its rendition of Al Capp’s popular comic strip “Li’l Abner,” transporting audience members back into time.
It was the school’s 10th seventh- and eighth-grade musical, held in the auditorium last week.
”When I started in this district 11 years ago, they didn’t have a program like this for seventh- and eighth-grade students,” said Tara Bartlett, director and choreographer of the musical. “I knew how much fun I had performing in middle school, and how much I learned and grew as a person, so I decided to start up a seventh-grade musical.”
”Li’l Abner” opened on Broadway on Nov. 15, 1956, and ran for 693 performances. It was based on the popular comic strip by Al Capp which ran for 43 years, from Aug. 13, 1934, to Nov. 13, 1977. The comic strip introduced America to the Yokum family and other citizens of Dogpatch, U.S.A. In addition to the musical, the comic strip inspired several movies, a television show, a soft drink, and even a theme park, Ms. Bartlett said.
”These loveable characters have become a big part of American pop culture and we are so excited to bring them to life tonight on the SBMS stage,” Ms. Bartlett said.
” ‘Li’L Abner’ is a funny, upbeat and happy show that all ages would enjoy,” said Bridget Gooley, 14, who played Daisy Mae. “Ms. Bartlett, the director is a hardworking, dedicated teacher who has spent countless hours to make all the SBMS students shine.”
”It has always been one of my favorite shows and I knew it would be a great match for this group of students,” Ms. Bartlett said.
Bridget has been performing in shows at SBMS since fifth grade.
Students began rehearsing for the musical in November.
”The cast and crew have been working extremely hard over the past three months,” Bridget said.
Parent Bonnie Gooley, of Allentown, said she is proud of the cast and crew.
”The kids have spent so much time preparing for the shows and have had fun despite the battle with snow,” said Ms. Gooley.
Parent Cassie Laymon agreed. Her son, Sam Porozok, played Earthquake McGoon.
”The kids are doing a terrific job and they had to miss a lot of rehearsals because of the weather but you could never tell it,” said Ms. Laymon, of Allentown.
”Li’l Abner” is not a well-known show so it’s a great opportunity to see a show that you might not have known much about, she added.
”It’s a lot more than just a comic strip,” said Rick Laymon, of Allentown.
Over 60 students were cast in roles, including high school volunteers who volunteered for roles in the orchestra and as production assistants.
The main characters included Daisy Mae played by Bridget Gooley; Li’l Abner, played by Brian Buechele; Mammy Yokum, played by Emily Morse; Moonbeam McSwine, played by Brianna LaPreta; Lillian and Dance Captain, played Carly Roche; Dr. Finsdale, played by Maggie McCarthy; Policewoman, played by Bryanna Scott; General Bullmoose, played by Julian Tsang; and Marryin’ Sam, played by Quinn Preston.
It was estimated that close to 500 people attended each show on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, officials said.
A special senior citizen performance was held Wednesday evening.
”We always perform our last dress rehearsal for the senior citizens from our community and area assisted living centers,” Ms. Bartlett said. “It gives us a chance to share our students’ talents with the community and for the kids to get practice performing in front of an audience before opening night.”
Arlene Schaars was one of the senior citizens from Bear Creek of West Windsor who was there enjoying the performance.
”It’s so good,” said Ms Schaars. “It was so well written.”
Florence Lanzetta was another senior citizen also from Bear Creek enjoying her evening outing.
”I love to see these kids,” said Ms. Lanzetta. “I think they do very well with their dancing and their singing. They do a wonderful job.”
The Murphys of Cranbury came out to see their grandson, Patrick Murphy, who was playing a State Department Man.
”The choreography is great, very complex,” said Henry Murphy, “They seem to be having a good time.”
Ms. Bartlett noted that they really have a supportive community.
”There are many families who come to see our show every year even if they don’t have a family member or friend performing,” Ms. Bartlett said.
“”””””””“”””“”””“’”Ms. Bartlett wanted to thank the audience and the talented students.
”Without the unending support of our parents, community members, teachers and administrators, our program would not be as successful as it is,” Ms. Bartlett said. “Thank you to each and every one of the parents, staff and students who volunteered their time to make tonight’s show possible. I am so lucky that I get to work with this extraordinary group of students in such a supportive and caring community.”

