`POCAHONTAS AND JOHN SMITH' TO BE PERFORMED

The actors are still practicing lines and rehearsing songs for the "Pocahontas and John Smith" play presented by Keyboards and Kindermusik Conservatory.

Free performances will be held at 2 and 7 p.m. Friday at the Bethel Assembly of God Church, 1955 Perryville Rd. The show is open to the public and will last about 30 minutes.

While some Indians forgot their cues and re-entered the stage to complete lines during rehearsal, accompanist Akiko Hirao tried to fill the gaps with music.

"What do I say?" asked Lucas Presson, who portrayed Gov. Ratcliffe in the dress rehearsal Tuesday afternoon. Stage manager Kelly Hilterbrand and Amanda Sharp, assistant director, quickly rushed to find the answers.

The 16 cast members and students of the music conservatory have about two more days to practice lines and learn songs for their performances later this week.

"Pocahontas and John Smith" is the seventh musical done by the school.

"It's 'Pocahontas and John Smith,' but not the Disney version," said Janet Presson, instructor.

The story is based on the historical account of an Indian princess' meetings with a English settler.

The Keyboards and Kindermusik Conservatory teaches beginning music classes for children age 3 and older.

Cast members include Lucy Gong and Elizabeth Fluegge as Pocahontas, Tyler Cuba as John Smith, Kentaro Hirao as Powhatan, Lucas Presson and Emily Lohrmann as Gov. Ratcliffe, Riley Lohrmann as Wiggins, Ben Brinkopf as Thomas, Mary Margaret Brinkopf as Nikamo, Casey Cuba as Tarma, Leah Warren as Querna, Nicole Peat as Grandmother Willow, Wendy Dirden as Grandmother Blackbird, Mindy Ward as Grandmother Blue Jay, Mary Margaret Brinkopf as Grandmother Sparrow, Casey Cuba as Kocoum, Alana and Afton Riddle, Alicia Arnold, Jacob Backenmyer, Jason Cox, Coleman Gwyn, Blake Hooe, Megan Krantz, Victoria Lowes, Choloe Morrill, Amanda Nichols, Jared Ritter, Hillary Temple and Nathan Sanders as Indians.