Meridian Little Theatre’s 2017-18 season promises to continue the tradition of showcasing some of the best live performances Meridian has to offer.

“It has been a wonderful season this year, and we have had some of the best attendance we have had in years,” Executive Director Ronnie Miller said at Monday’s announcement of the 85th season. “I think people have really enjoyed it and the next season offers the same promise.”

Starting out the season on Oct. 5 will be “Shrek,” the musical story of a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life by anything that crosses his path, retreats to an ugly green swamp to exist in happy isolation.

For the Christmas season, starting Dec. 7 will be the holiday classic “A Christmas Story.” Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd. The beloved show follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralph Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and his quest to get a “Red Rider air rifle” under the Christmas tree. He pleads his case before everyone – and receives the same response, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

Taking the stage Feb. 22 will be “Barefoot in the Park,” a Neil Simon romantic comedy that focuses on newlyweds Corie, a free spirit, and Paul, an uptight lawyer, as they begin their married life in a tiny sixth-floor apartment in Greenwich Village.

“Of course, Barefoot in the Park is a classic that everyone is familiar with, said Meridian Little Theatre Board President Scott Stevens. “This is a show that hasn’t been done at the theater for over 30 years.”

Closing out the season, starting May 5, will be “Young Frankenstein,” a show about a respected medical lecturer Dr. Frederick Frankenstein who learns he has inherited his infamous grandfather’s estate in Transylvania. Arriving at the castle, Dr. Frankenstein soon begins to recreate his grandfather’s experiments with the help of servants Igor, Inga and the fearsome Frau Blucher. After he creates his own monster, new complications ensue with the arrival of the doctor’s fiancee, Elizabeth.

Miller said live entertainment keeps people coming back to Meridian Little Theatre year after year.

“Here you get a response from the audience, and the audience becomes part of the theater, not like a movie,” Miller said. “That’s why it’s important for a community – to give them a taste of the arts.

“It’s community theater, it’s not professional, but sometimes I’ve seen shows here as good, if not better than you will see on Broadway, and that’s the honest truth.”

“And you see people you know up on stage,” Stevens said. “Plus you see the people that have talent out there that have never tried acting or singing before but are coming out and doing it for the first time.

“To be able to come and see some of those folks and see the grown on stage and perform for the community is incredible.”

For more information contact the Meridian Little Theatre Box Office at (601)482-6371 or visit www.meridianlittletheatre.com.