Photo by Griffin Peterson Tina Snider, Ethan Shuckhart, Chris Shuckhart and Summer Moline portray the Frake family in the Marshall Area Stage Company's production of "State Fair," which opens Saturday.

MARSHALL — Ethan Shuckhart – dressed up like a rancher from the ’40s – threw rings onto the wooden fence in practice. He was a little too good at it, and landed the rings on poles that he should have missed for the story. That’s what rehearsal is for though.

On Monday night, the Marshall Area Stage Company (MASC) had their first full dress rehearsal, complete with props, lighting and full costumes. The dress rehearsal gives performers and behind-the-scenes workers an opportunity to work out any kinks with the play — going through just like it’s a real performance.

“I think things are going marvelous right now,” said Ryan Juutilainen, the director and band director for the musical. “There are a few things that we have to go over, but all in all, it’s going very well.”

This year, MASC decided to perform the musical “State Fair” written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The romantic comedy follows the Frake family, as parents Melissa and Abel Frake as they compete in the fair’s local farm competitions and their two children – Margy and Wayne – as they experience love and heartbreak, said Juutilainen.

The musical will feature over 30 actors and 12 local musicians, who will be performing as an orchestra throughout the entire two-hour musical.

The play features a variety of actors, some being as young as 10 years old. Many use MASC as an opportunity to perform and and spend time with their family. One example in this play is the Snider family, with Tina and Brinna Snider both acting in the play.

“It’s priceless,” Tina Snider said. “It’s awesome to be able to watch them grow in their roles and start with new roles.”

Another family – the Shuckharts – are playing lead roles in Abel and Wayne Frake. Ethan Shuckhart – who’s entering his senior year of high school – has been acting in plays since he was in second grade. His father, Chris, has been doing musicals since he was a sophomore in high school, and is coming back to work with MASC for what will now be the 13th year.

“They really pick up the group quite a bit, the whole group, they’re good examples,” Juutilainen said.

Another lead actress, Summer Moline, has been working with MASC for a number of years, but this year will be her first time in a lead role playing Margy Frake. Moline will have two solo songs in “It Might As Well Be Spring.” and “The Next Time It Happens.”

“I like my singing scenes,” Moline said. “There’s some interesting scenes that are pretty fun, too.”

MASC will have seven total performances of “State Fair” on June 20, 21, 27 and 28, at 2 p.m. and June 22, 25 and 26, at 7 p.m. at the Marshall Middle School Theatre.

Tickets can be purchased at https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/venue.php?org_id=460