ASHTABULA —  The weather forecast this week has called for snow flurries, but over at the Ashtabula Arts Center, volunteers are gearing up for summer.

As in Straw Hat Theatre, four musicals to be exact.

The 2012 season of the Ashtabula Arts Center’s Straw Hat Theatre will feature a characteristic line-up of audience favorites — four musical productions that promise to be just right for a summer filled with family fun. 

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” will start the season on June 8.

With book by Karen Boettcher-Tate and music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur, it will be directed by Linda Fundis. This tale will play on June 8-10 and 14-16. It’s fairy-tale pop musical with eclectic styles ranging from 50’s rock ‘n’ roll to 20’s jazz to Celtic and more as the falling apart kingdom of Glump is overseen by its pampered emperor who is obsessed with his tasteless wardrobe! Not only is he a big headed, clothesaholic but his three “lovely” daughters are quickly becoming chips off the old blockhead!  

On June 22 - 24, 29, July 1 and July 5 – 7 comes a favorite story based on Louisa May Alcott's own family experiences (and novel), “Little Women The Broadway Musical.” With book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, “Little Women” follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America. The beloved story of the March sisters is timeless and now this narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart. “Little Women” embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit, fans say. 

The third show of the Straw Hat season is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time. “Godspell” by John Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz and directed by James Stover will play for three weekends, July 13 - 15, 20 - 22, 26 – 28. Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, “Godspell” brings the parables of Jesus to life with a message of kindness, tolerance and love while also boasting a sparkling score filled with well-loved songs.  

Wrapping up the musical season on Aug. 3 - 5, 10 - 12, 16 - 18 will be “A Chorus Line.” Conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett with book by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban “A Chorus Line” will be directed by Steve Rhodes. The musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line, tells of an empty theatre where casting for a new Broadway show is the chance of a lifetime for a group of dancers. It’s what they’ve worked for every day of their lives and it’s their one chance to shine in the spotlight. Winner of nine Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, “A Chorus Line” is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. 

On June 16 at 6:30 p.m., people can meet the cast of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and take a backstage tour. The $5 per guest fee includes a cookie and punch reception that follows. Preregistration is required.

June 23 at 6:30 p.m. is ‘Sisters Night!’ or maybe just a night out with the girls. Ladies of all ages can join us for lemonade, tea and hors d’oeuvres before the performance of “Little Women The Broadway Musical!” The fee for attending the “Sister’s night” reception is $10 per guest. Preregistration is required.

All Straw Hat Theatre shows begin at p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Box office ticket prices are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Advance-sale, prepaid tickets will receive a $2 discount per ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the arts center box office or by phone at 964-3396.

A bigger savings can be had by theater-goers who purchase a season subscription. Each subscription offers four discounted admissions to any Straw Hat show this season. For those who only want to see one show, all four admissions can be used at one time. Or for those who want to see all four shows this season, one admission can be used at each of the four productions. You get four admissions to use at any summer show, at any time. Subscription prices are $43.20 for adults and $36 for seniors and students. Arts center members will receive an additional 10 percent discount.