Zion Opera Workshop Presents Its 55th Production: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair
Zion Opera Workshop proudly announces its 55th production, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic American musical State Fair, to be presented on March 5, 6, and 7, 2026, at Zion United Church of Christ in Smith Auditorium, named in honor of the creators of Zion Opera Workshop, Paul and Linn Smith. Performances will take place at 7:30 PM each evening, with a special 2:00 PM matinee on Saturday, March 7.
This heartwarming and nostalgic musical celebrates family, tradition, and young romance, all set amid the excitement and color of the Iowa State Fair. Featuring beloved songs such as “It Might as Well Be Spring” and “All I Owe Ioway,” State Fair follows the Frake family as each member embarks on a journey of self-discovery during a memorable week away from the farm.
Zion Opera Workshop is under the direction of Bradly R. Cressley. Technical direction is provided by husband-and-wife team Pati and Duane Reichard, with choreography by Deb Strausberger of TNT Dance in Lehighton. Tara Crow serves as assistant stage director. Costumes are designed by Nancy Keiser, assisted by Pati Reichard and Casi Reichard. The production will be presented with a live orchestra, and rehearsals are supported by pianist Lisa Schweitzer.
The cast includes Marc Firtion as Abel Frake, Claire Foeller as Margy Frake, Robin Grohotolski as Melissa Frake, Adam Reichard as Wayne Frake, and Timmy Arace as Gus and Clay. Will Schwab appears as Dave Miller and Charlie the Photographer, while Katelyn Markell portrays Eleanor and Chris Ross appears as Harry and the Chief of Police. Betsy Maholick serves as the Fair Announcer, Jamie Monahan as the Hoopla Barker, and Laura Reichard as Emily Arden. The role of the Astounding Stralenko is shared by Megan Sanders and Bella Moyer, with Bella Moyer also appearing as Vivian. Audrey Longenbach plays Jeanne, Brandon Cressley appears as Pat Gilbert, and Cadence Thiessen portrays Lem. Jim Diehl is featured as Hank Munson and Judge Heppenstahl, while Eva Durigon plays Violet. Lisa Snell Kern appears as Mrs. Edwin Metcalf. The Two Roustabouts are portrayed by Heather Brown and Lucy Sander, and Mischa Smale provides the offstage emcee voice for Emily. The Fairtones are Eliza Cressley, Casi Reichard, Tara Crowe, Lydia Hessinger, Abby Ehrig, Willow Brown, Lillie Andreas, and Tizsa Mink, with additional fairgoers, judges, and solo singing lines performed by Martha Cox.
Tickets for State Fair are $10.00 each and are available from any cast member or at the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band Hall on weekdays from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For ticket information, please contact the Zion Opera Workshop Box Office at 610-392-1810.
Zion Opera Workshop warmly invites the community to join them at Zion UCC for this milestone production, honoring a proud legacy while continuing a tradition of high-quality musical theater brought to life by dedicated local talent.
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