Country music is the focus of the new musical production on stage at Harare's Reps Theatre called "A Little Bit Country". The show features more than 30 singers and dancers presenting a selection of country music numbers, including country and western, country rock, country pop, country classic, country rave and country reggae - reflecting the wide variety of styles that come under the country heading.

"A Little Bit Country" was inspired by the late Patsy Cline, often regarded as the greatest of all country singers. She died on March 5 1963, meaning that this year marks the 50th anniversary of her tragic death in an aircraft accident.

"As a tribute to her and to the internationally-popular country music genre, we present a show featuring a wide range of songs presented in a variety of styles, and this will be a show that appeals to everyone, not only those people who particularly enjoy country music,' said Stan Higgins, director of the production.

"Music featured includes songs from Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and even the Rolling Stones, who had one or two country rock numbers in their repertoire. The music of more modern singers like Shania Twain and Taylor Swift is also featured."

"A Little Bit Country" stars a number of popular local stage performers and singers, including Mande Snyman, David Bvumbe, Nicola Kinnaird, Faith Ganyau, Stephane Thomas and many others, among them a pleasing number of newcomers to the local stage like Charlie and Joshua Cannings, as well as Liza Abulencia. Dancing will be presented by 12 performers from the June Cloete Academy of Dance.

The show runs from this Saturday with performances each night between Wednesday and Saturday and with a matinee performances on Saturday.