Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarMeridian Little Theatre Director Ellie Massey announces this season's plays with Stacey Hutcheson, seated left, Scott Stevens and Terri Ann Pankhurst Tuesday morning at the Highway 39 North playhouse.

A splashy theatrical adaption of one of America’s celebrated and beloved films and a musical romantic comedy based on the songs of a successful pop group will be among performances for Meridian Little Theatre’s 86th season.

“We’re very excited about this season, which will feature four brand new shows never performed on the MLT stage,” MLT Director Ellie Massey said at a news conference Tuesday announcing the new season. “If you’re not a member of Meridian Little Theatre already, this is the year that you want to be.”

The season’s lineup is as follows:

“Singin’ in the Rain,” Oct. 11-16

Billed “The Greatest Movie Musical of All Time,” Massey said this production is “faithfully and loving” adapted from the original award-winning screenplay.

“Each unforgettable scene, song and dance is accounted for — including the show-stopping title number!” she said. “Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make this show the perfect entertainment for any fan of the Golden Age of movie musicals.

Massey said the nostalgic show is filled with every memorable moment from the film — and a downpour of unforgettable songs.

“By itself, the sequence where Gene Kelly dances in the rain embodies the Golden Age of the Hollywood musical,” she said. “This light satire of the cinema world having to deal with the talking picture is an optimistic story from the beginning to the end where professionalism, tenacity, friendship and love overcome all of life’s difficulties.”

“A Good, Old Fashioned, Redneck Country Christmas,” Dec. 6-11

Massey describes this production as blending a healthy dollop of Southern comedy with a pinch of O’Henry’s “Gift of the Magi.” A diner known as “The Friendliest Place in The South” is the setting for the play which takes place on Christmas Eve and features a cast of waitresses, a group of men who have escaped to the mountains for a day of hunting, a stranded truck driver and a stranger with child.

“When Mary Sue, a pregnant and poignant stranger gets lost in the woods and ends up having her baby in a cowshed in the middle of a blizzard, the redneck boys become the most unlikely Wise Men you ever saw!” Massey said. “Bob (truck driver) is there to witness it all and give us the narrative of their adventure. The first miracle of Christmas blesses everyone in this tender comedy, and with simplicity and grace, gently reminds the audience of the real reason for the season.”

“Four Weddings and an Elvis,” Feb. 21-26, 2019

The play centers of the most memorable matrimonies of Sandy — a four times married, three times divorced owner of a wedding chapel in Las Vegas: Bev and Stan, who are getting married as revenge on their exes; Vanessa and Bryce, two arrogant, aging stars who are tying the knot as a publicity ploy; and Martin and Fiona, a gentle postal worker and a tough ex-con who couldn’t be more in love.

However, the final wedding is the most touch of all.

“Sandy’s fifth and final wedding to the love of her life,” Massey said.

“Mamma Mia!” May 9-14, 2019

The 1999 musical romantic comedy — which was adapted into a 2008 American film — based on the songs of pop group ABBA, with additional music composed by ABBA member Benny Anderson.

“Over 60 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that makes ‘Mamma Mia!’ the ultimate feel-good show,” Massey said. “A mother, a daughter, three possible dads and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget.”

Additionally, Meridian Little Theatre’s CenterStage Youth Division will present “Disney’s Aladdin JR” Jan. 14-18, 2019. The 60-minute production is based on the 1992 Academy Award-winning film and the 2014 Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns his true worth lies deep within.

“With expanded characters, new songs and more thrills, this new adaption of the beloved story will open up ‘a whole new world’ for our young performers,” Massey said.

Meridian Little Theatre’s 86th Season will also include a dinner theater (title to be announced later), scheduled for March 21-24.