Forecasts calls for snow this weekend in Valdosta with Peach State Summer Theatre opening its sixth season with “White Christmas.”

While theatregoers can expect a touch of December in June, they can also help Valdosta State University-sponsored professional theatre celebrate 20 years of shows.

In 1990, VSU Theatre created a professional summer theatre troupe with the Jekyll Island Musical Theatre Festival. Every summer through 2004, organizers traveled to Jekyll Island presenting sometimes two, three, even four musicals per summer.

In 2005, this repertory program of rotating shows stayed in Valdosta, becoming Peach State Summer Theatre, or PSST, an annual collection of three musicals. Since, the Georgia General Assembly has designated Peach State as the state’s official musical theatre.

Once PSST opens with Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” this weekend, it opens Disney’s “Mulan” June 18, and “The Secret Garden” June 25.

Jacque Wheeler, PSST artistic director, and Duke Guthrie, PSST managing director, traveled to various locales in the Southeast to select the newest members of this year’s cast and crew.

But patrons can also expect to see familiar names from both PSST and Jekyll Island Musical Theatre, as well as VSU Theatre & Dance.

One of the most interesting returns is that of Terry Snead, this year’s member of the Actors’ Equity Association. He is also a VSU Theatre alum, who last appeared on the Sawyer Theatre stage in 1976. He’s worked professionally in TV, movies and on stage. He is also artistic director for the Cutter Theatre in Washington state. He is a member of the Screen Actors’ Guild and American Federation of Radio and Television Artists. For PSST, he plays General Waverly in “White Christmas” and Ben in “The Secret Garden.”

Audiences may recognize Carla Olivar, who graduated this spring from VSU with a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre. Past PSST performances include Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin.” This year, she plays Mrs. Snoring Man in “White Christmas,” Rose in “The Secret Garden,” and the title character in “Mulan.”

Katie Whalley returns, playing Judy in “White Christmas,” Fa Li in “Mulan,” Martha in “The Secret Garden,” and is dance captain for the entire season.

Megan Wheeler has appeared in a lifetime of shows in PSST and Jekyll. She returns following travels working professionally on stage this past year. In PSST 2010, she plays Betty in “White Christmas,” Matchmaker in “Mulan,” Lily in “The Secret Garden.”

The three show’s directors also mark returns.

Matthew McGee,  VSU Theatre grad and regular PSST and Jekyll performer, directs “White Christmas.” He also directed PSST’s Disney’s “Aladdin” two years ago. But he’s likely more familiar to PSST audiences as the emcee in “Cabaret,” Toad in “A Year with Frog and Toad,” and the Cat in the Hat in “Seussical.”

Barbara Hartwig is another veteran of PSST and Jekyll. She directs Disney’s “Mulan.” Hartwig may also be better known to PSST audiences as a performer. She played Velma in “Chicago” and Louise in “Gypsy.” She also choreographed “The Tuesday Afternoon Regulars” and “The Fantasticks.”

Randy Wheeler makes his annual return to directing, by helming “The Secret Garden.” The retired VSU Theatre professor has directed numerous Jekyll and PSST works. “The Secret Garden” marks a rare event for Wheeler, directing a show he has directed in the past. He directed “The Secret Garden” a dozen years ago on Jekyll.

He will direct two of this season’s three youngest performers. Liam Harrigan Bickerstaff and Hannah Trowell appear as Colin and Mary respectively in “The Secret Garden.” Mary Peeples performs in “White Christmas.” 

For show times, dates, ticket prices, etc., visit www.valdosta.edu/psst; or call (229) 259-7770.