An all-singing, all-dancing tribute to the stars of the silver screen arrives in downtown Greenville this month as the Ritz Players present “Putting on the Ritz 2010.” The fourth annual musical fundraiser for the Greenville Area Arts Council is slated for April 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the fabled Ritz Theatre. This year’s production celebrates favorite songs from movies over the decades.

The cast includes close to 40 adults, including the show’s live orchestra, and nearly two dozen area students, says director Nancy Idland.

“We will wow everyone from the beginning with our opening number, ‘Hooray for Hollywood,'” said Idland.

“Everyone is dressed as an icon from a famous movie. We have Scarlet O’Hara, Cat Woman, Dolly Levi, Marilyn Monroe, Medea, the White Witch from ‘Narnia,’ Dolly Parton and many, many more.”

Along with familiar faces, Idland promises some exciting performers new to the Ritz Players.

“We’ll have a number

of our old favorite performers along with some great new talent. And, not only will we hold our three evening performances, we are also working toward once again performing for two theaters full of students on Friday morning. It’s a wonderful way to give them a taste what live theater is all about,” she said.

“Putting on the Ritz 2010” will not only allow audiences to enjoy their friends, neighbors, classmates and co-workers showcase their talents; it also brings in much-needed dollars in support of the GAAC artistic season, Idland said.

“Without the funds raised through our yearly shows, we would not be able to continue to bring professional productions – the same actors and musicians and dancers you would normally only see in much larger venues – to our little town,” Idland said.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and are now available for purchase online at www.gaac-ritz.com.