Tonight begins the the first of a weekend full of performances for a fundraiser for the DeWitt County Restoration Association.

The play "Welcome to Big Rock" is a comedy put together by local play-write Melanie Cheatham. Member of the DCRA, Mark Killough says in the spring, it was decided to do the play for a 4th year. Killough says by mid-summer they had the cast set, and rehearsals began, and this weekend, all their hard work comes to fruition.

[audio:11212dcraplay1.mp3] [/audio]

The play is about a little community who finds out they will be hosting a talent contest to be on TV. Cast member Amy Robinson explains the show highlights the people of the town who think they have talent, but really do not, but there are some diamonds in the rough. She adds last year there was some great talent, and that talent returns once again this year, but notes the male vocals in this years producation are very good.

[audio:11212dcraplay2.mp3] [/audio]

This weekend's show is an effort to help the DCRA in their efforts to restore the Magill Hotel on the downtown Clinton Square. Kilough explains they hope the progress they've made so far in restoring the house will help be the catalyst for other renovations around town. He adds the money from this play will help pay expenses involving the H-VAC system for the retail space.

[audio:11212dcraplay3.mp3] [/audio]

"Welcome To Big Rock" will be performed at the American Legion this weekend. Doors open at 6 tonight and Saturday for cocktail hour, with the play beginning at 7. Doors open at 1 on Sunday and the play begins at 2. Tickets for the dinner theatre for Friday and Saturday cost $40. The 4th will be a dessert-only matinee that costs $25. Tickets can be purchased from all cast members, the Chamber of Commerce or can be ordered online at www.dewittcountyrestoration.org.