DEXTER – It hasn’t been easy building a theater from the foundation up, but a diligent group with a passion for the arts has done just that and has done it very well.

“A lot of people thought they would never see the Wayside Theater open,” said theater member June Woodman of Dexter, who was instrumental in getting the group organized. “That was nearly five years ago and we have progressed since then.

“We have built that theater from scratch and the productions have improved,” Woodman said this week. “We’re doing well for a community theater and we have lots of support.”

This September, the small theater located on Route 23 will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a gala event, but efforts are now focused on the theater’s first musical, “Snoopy,” that began last weekend and will continue at 7 p.m. July 16-17.

The famous comic strip character and his friends created by Charles Schultz will entertain theatergoers with their comic antics, Woodman said.

“We believe the audience will enjoy seeing these familiar comic strip characters in a light comedy with memorable music,” Woodman said. “You come out humming the songs.”

Its adult cast hails from all corners of the region, according to Woodman. Snoopy is played by Rocco Pizzo of Abbot, Charlie Brown by Mike Phillips of Hartland, Lucy by Alyson Saunders of Garland, Peppermint Patty by Sheri Krieder of Greenville Jct., Linus by Josh Hall of Corinna, Sally Brown by Georgia Prickitt of Cambridge and Woodstock by Dr. Robert Ladato of Charleston. Clayton W. Smith of Bangor is the stage and music director.

Woodman said auditions were held in April and rehearsals began immediately thereafter for the musical that followed many other live theater productions.

Tickets for the musical are $10 per person, adults and children. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling 924-8813.

A light dinner, the cost of which is not included in the ticket fee, featuring quiche, soups, salads and deserts will be served an hour before each of the performances.