The Southwest Washington Fair is still several weeks away, but those yearning for cotton candy, caramel apples and carnival games need only wait until Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre’s summer production of “State Fair” opens on Thursday.

“Set against the backdrop of the 1946 Iowa State Fair, this show is a heartwarming tribute to the essence of rural life,” Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre said in a news release.

Directed by Vesta Loomis, the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical tells the story of the Frake family’s adventures around the fairgrounds.

“‘State Fair’ really speaks to me, bringing back memories of those summers I spent at county fairs,” Loomis said. “It's a love letter to small town people with big dreams, and capturing all the fun and excitement of community gatherings. ‘State Fair’ celebrates the spirit of togetherness and the simple joys that make local traditions special. This show reminds me that I love being part of my local community."

“State Fair” runs Thursday, July 25, to Saturday, Aug. 3, with shows at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the commons of Tenino High School, located at 500 W. Second Ave., Tenino.

A pay-what-you-can performance is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m.

Tickets, which are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors, can be purchased online at teninoyoungathearttheatre.org or at the door.

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre is “an all-ages, all-abilities theater company that is dedicated to cultivating community, building relationships, and promoting individual growth through the joy of theater,” the organization said in a news release.

For more information, contact info@teninoyoungathearttheatre.org. 

Cast list

Dario Bahena

Jewelz Boling

Holly Burkevics

Chris Cabrera

Charlotte Calway

Rob Duran

Jocelyn Durham

Gavin Fuller

Katherine Gulmert

Anna Gunter

Samantha Gunter

Vienna Johnston

Moriah Josephson

Robert Kam

Patsy Kenney

Taylor Little

Cecelia Little

Isaac McKenzieSullivan

Noah McKenzieSullivan

Odette Mohr

Madeline Roy

Sadie Simpson

Emily Smith

Briana Smith

Lydia Smith

Carissa Smith

Ashliyn Smith

Courtney Stanley

Spot Taylor

Trent Tomtan