Dozens of young performers are singing, dancing and acting this summer at Pensacola Little Theatre, and the shows they are rehearsing now will open in July.

First up is "Around the Pond in 80 Days," an adventure story inspired by Jules Verne's classic novel. Instead of humans making the perilous journey, though, the production is 'peopled' by frogs, toads, snakes and other woodland critters. Director Johnnie Odom is leading a cast of more than three dozen children through this whimsical musical. This Acorn Children's Theatre production is presented in the M.C. Blanchard Courtroom at the Pensacola Cultural Center, and young children are encouraged to sit on the floor to get closer to the action.

"Around the Pond in 80 Days" offers public performances at 10am and 2:30pm on Saturday July 11 and Saturday July 18. On Sundays, July 12 and 19, matinee performances begin at 2:30. Prices are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. In addition to the public performances, schools and day cares may reserve seats for a private performance on Friday July 17 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $3 per student with one adult admitted free for each 10 paid admissions. Due to limited seating, advance purchase of tickets is recommended.

Following each Saturday and Sunday performance of "Around the Pond in 80 Days," stick around for "Sundaes Around the Pond - An Ice Cream Social." Families can meet the cast of the show and enjoy two scoops of ice cream and toppings for $3 per serving. The event will take place on the Terraza outside the Pensacola Cultural Center. Reservations are not required for "Sundaes Around the Pond."

From July 24 through August 9, a Disney phenomenon will be performed in Pensacola Little Theatre's Valerie J. Russenberger Theatre. "High School Musical" is the story of rival Jocks and Brainiacs who plot to keep their team members out of the school show and away from each other. Based on the hit Disney Channel movie, Pensacola Little Theatre's production features more than 30 talented local performers under the guidance of Director Amy Maddox and Music Director Tom Baroco.

"High School Musical" opens on July 24 and plays through August 9 on weekends

only. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:00pm. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:30pm. Prices are $18 - $16 - $14 for adults and half price for children 12 and younger.

On August 2, from noon until 2pm, meet the cast of PLT's "High School Musical" at the "Wildcats Pep Rally" a fundraiser for Pensacola Little Theatre. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served with chips and a beverage. Members of the cast will visit diners, and children are encouraged to bring their basketballs and autograph books for cast members to sign. Tickets to the "Wildcats Pep Rally" are $7 per person and include a combo meal.

The event will take place in the M.C. Blanchard Courtroom and seating is limited.

For tickets to or information about any PLT performance or event, please call the Box Office at 850-432-2042 or visit in person at 400 S. Jefferson Street in downtown Pensacola.