Lester Beebe Hits Stage in South Bend
By Adam Brown A musical version of Michelle Gable's novel The Triumph ofLester Beebe is set to premiere next month on May 22. -—^ [1] —. Set in South Bend, the show is the stoiy of a teenage boy who is the son of an automobile factory worker in the 1960s. The book became a favorite of young adult readers when it was first printed in 1968. — [2] —. Producers Todd Carlisle and Emma Wright were not even born when the book was first released but say they identified with Lester Beebe's adolescent struggles when first reading the stoiy. "Lester Beebe isn'tjust a teenager from South Bend," says Carlisle, "he could be a young person from anywhere." In addition to being the show's producers, Carlisle and Wright manage the Eden Playhouse in South Bend. — [3] —. According to Wright, the area is not well-known for musical productions, but she hopes The Triumph ofLester Beebe will change that. "Todd and I are also counting on local interest to help in building an audience for the show," she said. Playing the role of Beebe is actor Hemy Thomas. Veteran performer Neil Chandler plays his father, while the roles of Beebe's sisters, Mandy and Corinne, will be realized by Stephanie O'Connor and Audrey Blanco. Following the run in South Bend, Carlisle and Wright will take the show to New York in August for its Broadway debut. — [4] —. Tickets for the South Bend show are on sale now through the Eden Playhouse at 555-0493. | 
