SHERBURNE – The Sherburne Music Theater Society is busy in preparation for its upcoming musical “Free to Be... You and Me.” Scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, the show will be performed in the Sherburne-Earlville High School Auditorium.

“I remember raising my kids to the music of 'Free to Be... You and Me,'” said Director Rick Thormahlen.

While Thormahlen originally planned to have only four principal leads for the musical, he explained that he wanted to involve more people. The result was a cast of seven people, as well as extras.

“Young kids will play tigers and runners in a race. They will also help change the scenery,” Thormahlen said.

The principal leads are Jenni Larchar as Janet; Craig Natoli as William; Shari Taylor as Vickie; Max Pacilio as Richard; Krysta Nower as Heather; Maisy French as Kate; and Emilee Smith as Marla.

It was the 1970s when the original music and stories were created by Marlo Thomas and her friends, and that would later inspire an award-winning TV show and play.

Thomas describes the inspiration for the music and book on her website.