If you’re looking for something entertaining to do this weekend you could attend Alton High School’s production of The Wiz. The production is based on the original 1975 musical with music and lyrics written by Charlie Smalls and the script written by William F. Brown. It is based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

The two act show starts off with Dorthy and her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and the rest of her family on their farm in Kansas.

Like the original, Dorthy is swept away by a tornado and lands in a strange place. It’s here where she meets the scarecrow, tin man and cowardly lion. It’s also in Act 1 that the audience is introduced to the musical’s most popular song “East on Down the Road,” as they dance down the yellow brick road. Other songs include:The Feeling We Once Had, The Lion’s Dream,So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard, Everybody Rejoice and Funky Monkeys.

I never got to see the musical when it toured the country, but I did get to see Motown’s film that starred Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsy Russell, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne. They were and still are considered some of the best black performers in Hollywood.

In the AHS production, Dorothy is played by Adrianna Jones, an junior. The Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion are respectively played by sophomore Jordan Pfeifer, senior Kyle Montgomery and senior Josh Kuehn. Ian Taul plays The Wiz.

I’m amazed at how talented high school students are these days. I never had the talent of the youth today, but then again acting and singing never interested me. I never dreamed of making it to Broadway or Hollywood so when I see kids with spectacular voices and the ability to capture an audience at such a young age I am in awe. I’ve learned a lot this year about the music and theater arts programs at Alton High School because my son is in band. He’s playing trombone for pit orchestra and the other night as we were leaving I started to sing (which believe me is not good) Ease on Down the Road, he asked how I knew the song.

I said just because I can’t sing doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate seeing others who can. The songs are what drive audiences to musicals and if the lyrics are catchy, well enough said.

Everyone should “ease on down the road” to the 47th spring musical, which opens tonight and runs through Sunday in the school’s Auditorium. Curtain time is 7 p.m., except for Sunday which is 2 p.m. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $6 for students.

If you’re anything like me, then you probably enjoy getting something for free. There’s just something about getting something for nothing. How many times do we get a free sample and then fall in love with the product? I know I have. Most recently I got some hand cream — Lollia — from White Burch in Godfrey.

Although there are lots of ways to get free stuff, such as going to a store and asking a clerk, the most popular way is to go on-line and register on company Web sites. Better yet look for a Web site that compiles all the offers in one location. I love free things is a cool place to go.

If you’re not comfortable giving out your e-mail address, because you feel that you will be inundated with unsolicited information, then create a new account that is simply for this purpose. Anyway happy shopping.

Today I actually registered at L’oreal and within the next 8 to 10 weeks I will be getting my goods in the mail. Beside free it’s fun to see what’s out there and you never know I may fall in love with a whole new product.

Yesterday I informed everyone I joined Twitter and today I found I had three followers.

I’m not quite sure how it all works just yet, but I plan on tweeting over the next few days especially when I’m out and about. I’m already following a few: The Telegraph and two authors, Meg Cabot and Jane Green, and plan to add a few more.

I’m now on Twitter I wanted to find out what all the hype was about. So let’s see how it goes.

It’s a beautiful day outside and I’m planning to go out and enjoy the weather. I’m am going to do one of my favorite things, which is read.

I heard the other day that 80 percent of people do not read another book once they graduate from school (both high school and college.) Wow. I cannot imagine my life without a good book. It’s the one thing that relaxes me most.

So as I go sit in my lawn chair and enjoy the view of the river and the wind on my face I will be reading of some far off place wishing I were there.

So how many of you read books? What are you reading right now? I’m currently perusing the pages of Meg Cabot’s “Queen of Babble.

Show your support for victims of sexual assault today by wearing denim. Today is National Denim Day and all across the country people are wearing garments made from the heavy fabric.

The event got its name following a rape of a woman in 1992 in Italy. An 18-year-old woman was picked up by her driving instructor to begin her lesson and soon after, she was raped on the side of the road by the instructor. She pressed charges and won her case. The instructor appealed, and the case went to the Italian High Court. In 1999 the court overturned the conviction with a member of the High Court declaring that since the victim wore very tight jeans, the instructor could not have removed them himself, therefore the victim must have willingly participated. Women of the Italian legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans. As news of the decision spread, so did the protest.

In April 1999, the state of California established the first Denim Day in the United States.

* Every 2 minutes someone is sexually assaulted
* One in six women and one in 33 men are victims of sexual assualt
* Almost two-thirds of all rapes were committed by someone the victim knew

Although I don’t have on a pair of jeans today I support the cause because I know all too well what it’s like to be a victim, or rather a survivor. Last year I shared my story with flaire for women readers of when I was a young woman I was assaulted by someone I knew. It took me years to come to terms with the fact that it was not my fault. Cases such as this are the reason that so many women don’t come forward. The fear of being at fault and verbally “raped” all over again is something they don’t want to deal with.

April is also National Sexual Awareness Month so if you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assulat you can contact the Call for Help Inc. at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673.)

Recently I was asked by a reader if I would blog on a few upcoming up. My response — Yes, of course I will.
In my opinion the whole reason to blog is to reach readers, to develop a relationship and get the public to share as well as do things in the community.

I actually feel honored to share with you two upcoming events being hosted by Evangelical “United to Cure Cancer” Relay for Life Team, which is comprised of members of Evangelical United Church of Christ.

The first event is a four person golf scramble to on May 9 at Rolling Hills Gold Course in Godfrey. Play will start at 8 a.m. and cost is $300 for a team. Lunch will be provided followed by a bean bag tournament. If you’re not a golfer, then for $15 you can attend the lunch only and take part in the bean bag tournament. To reserve a spot contact Tom Brown at (618) 466-0085.

The second event, which is being presented by the Evangelical United to Cure Cancer Relay for Life Team is Moon Dancing: A Night of Jazz. The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 22 at Evangelical United Church of Christ, 1212 W. Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey. The event will feature Tim Jarden and the Alton Jazz Quartet, singers Eddie Hitchcock and David Hamilton and Alton High School Celebrations Show Choir. Contact John Hamilton (618) 466-8851 for more information.

All proceeds from both benefits will benefit American Cancer Society.

It’s nice to see that so many people are gearing up for the Relay for Life event to be held in June. I believe that it’s a wonderful way to raise money for an organization that does so much. Earlier this year I served on the steering committee for the annual ACS Mardi Gras Ball. I want to say that it was a fabulous turnout and I plan on taking part in it again next year.

Each and every one of us knows someone with cancer. It touches our lives everyday. My mother battled breast cancer years ago and I’m so thankful she’s still here because there are others who do no longer get to share their joys and sorrows with the people they love.

So if you’re looking for something to do why not take part in one or both of these events. It’s for a good cause and you never know you could get a “hole in one” before you go to see someone “strike a chord.”

I took this photo as my three pets laid on the couch enjoying an uneventful night.

I want to thank everyone who attended the ABOB Garage Sale on Friday and Saturday. I believe it was a real success thanks to everyone who came. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Tonight Alton Band and Orchestra Builders will be putting everything together for the 2nd annual garage sale. It starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. at Alton High School Commons. Come and check it out. There is a $1 admission, however all proceeds will benefit music students throughout the district. Hope to see you there.