Halloween variety show at Sonoma’s Sebastiani

Sonoma Valley youngsters to cavort in Witchie Poo show as usual this year.|

Hip-hopping, tap-dancing and bopping across the stage, Lemmy the wise monster, the Magic Man and, as always, a gang of irresistible Sonoma Valley kids are slated to perform in the popular Witchie Poo Halloween show starting Saturday.

In its 39th year, the family event features a variety of dances this year, as well as dozens of local performers of all ages in the usual variety show format. The show will run for four afternoons over two weekends at the Sebastiani Theatre, starting Oct. 20 and running through Oct. 28.

“Our theme is ‘Traveling the World’ this year, so the characters go to France and China and Bollywood, and to the center of the world for a zombie dance number,” said Diana Rhoten, who plays the role of Witchie Poo. She said 70 children ages 4 and up will perform in Witchie Poo this year.

Rhoten started the event 39 years ago with her husband Roger as a simple Halloween puppet show in the couple’s garage. Roger Rhoten will perform his usual acts of prestidigitation in his role as the Magic Man in this year’

The variety show format, similar to old school TV entertainment such as the “Carol Burnett Show,” includes a medley of Halloween favorites by local singer-songwriter and Sonoma elementary school teacher Bob Gossett. Amee Alioto, a dance teacher at a local middle school, choreographed the dance numbers.

“Don’t forget to come in costume,” said Diana Rhoten. “The kids have been rehearsing for two months, the music is great and the costumes are always a lot of fun.”

This year’s Witchie Poo Halloween variety show runs Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28, with all shows beginning at 2 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets $10 to $12.

Reach Janis Mara at janis.mara@sonomanews.com.

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