ASTORIA The Astor Street Opry Company’s third annual historical, hysterical, musical melodrama, The Real Lewis and Clark Story or How Finns Discovered Astoria, opens 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11 and runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until May 4, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on April 21 and 28 at the ASOC Playhouse, 129 Bond St.

This historically accurate, family friendly performance is based on a pioneer journal uncovered in 2001 in the Uniontown area of Astoria, belonging to Tovo Swenson. Based on the tale of his adventure, struggle and fortune, ASOC turned this long-lost legend into a piece of fine theater. Come see as the cast of characters from the pages of Swensons diary come alive through re-enactment, song, dance and of course bad jokes in a melodrama that proves that the Finns were here first.

Behold the real story of how Astoria was first discovered not by Lewis and Clark and their band of merry frontiersmen but by two Finnish boys from the old country, Minnesota, who, with the help of their Finnish Mama, save the day. Meet Capt. Bobby Gray, Miss Jaynie Barnes, the brave Sacagawea, the crew of the Corps of Discovery and more.

Witness as the heroes forge their way with dedication and commitment from Saint Charles, Mo., to the Oregon Coast, suffering tragedy at the hands of evil foes while battling the wilds of nature (including run-ins with several unidentifiable creatures) all without ever losing their beer supplies. Watch how they come to the rescue of Lewis, Clark and the Corps of Discovery to reach the end of the Pacific Trail first and settle the city they christen Astoria, in honor of their relative, John Jacob Svenson-Astor.

Written and directed by Judith P. Niland, with original music by Stanley Azen and Joyce C. Niland of Pasadena, Calif., and Professor Philip Morrill of Astoria, with music direction by ChrisLynn Taylor, choreography by Carleta Lewis Allen and assistant direction by Nate Bucholz, the 2013 cast includes: Alex Berg, Jon Osborn, Stephanie Rowe, Grace Johnson, Rhonda Lively, Arlene Holmes, ChrisLynn Taylor, Shawna Ann Hope, Sandi Hilton, Steven Nice, Lee Muniz, Jonathan Hendrickson, Brian Allen, Grace Ogren, Bob Goldberg, Bill Carr, Lily Deufel, Serena Bower, Elsa Nethercot, Zach Tutor and Jeff Wheeler. To assure quality and historical accuracy the ASOCs own Lewis and Clark Interpreter, Cadet Ranger Dave Bergquist will be present to oversee the show authenticity. The production is sponsored by HIPFISH, Holly McHone Jewelry and the Columbia Memorial Hospital,

Tickets are $8 to $15 with discounts for children, seniors and groups. All seats on Fridays are only $5 each.

Tickets can be purchased at the door one hour before show time, but reservations are recommended by calling 503-325-6104 or visiting www.astorstreetoprycompany.com