It all started in 1936 as a comic strip by Al Capp.  Li'l Abner was the archetypal gentle giant - a big heroic, handsome figure loved by all the gals but apparently oblivious to their presence - or for that matter other wordly concerns like work!  The satirical life of the sleepy American backwater town, Dogpatch, was to become very popular and the series went on year after year until 1977 - the original albums are continually being put back into print and L'il Abner has even featured on postage stamps!
 

There have been two film version made to date based on an original stage show.  The first with Buster Keaton and more recently featuring Jerry Lewis.

So what about the show - what's it all about?

First there's the love angle - Daisy Mae adores L'il Abner but he doesn't seem to notice!  Still not to worry, there's always Sadie Hawkins Day coming up.  This is a local peculiarity whereby for one day the womenfolk are allowed to marry any bachelor they choose - so long as they can physically catch them first that is!  Now add the serious bit - the American government have chosen our favourite American town for the site of a nuclear bomb drop and everyone must leave ... unless that is the townsfolk can find something worthwhile about Dogpatch that will justify its existence.
Now ... what about that special tonic L'il Abner has been brought up on?  Could it be the source of his stature and strength  - surely that would be worth keeping the town for?
But hold on - don't start thinking you can follow the plot that easily!  Now we add the sinister bit - General Boolmoose is the shrewd business man who can see the money such a tonic could make - but not if given over to government scientists - he needs to get it for himself.  All he needs is a way of stopping L'il Abner in his tracks and his own hench-woman, Von Climax, to be first in the race on Sadie Hawkins Day ...

Confused?  Don't worry just sit back and enjoy the funniest and fastest moving musical in town!

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