Featured in the Jordan-Elbridge High School auditorium, the Jordan Elbridge Community Theatre will debut its production about fairy tales.
It may surprise some that this new group is made up of all adults.
Drew Deapo, technical director for the school, and Sarah Hunter, a graduate of the district, formed the community group after seeing how many adults participated in the school's musical productions.
They decided to give them a place to go.
The group has about 30 actors, all older than 18, and technical support. Deapo said they will try to perform one play a summer, and they are concentrating on musicals. They will perform “Into the Woods” this weekend.
This play puts a new twist on fairy tales. While familiar characters haunt the script, an original couple will play a large role. The story tells of a baker and his wife who are cursed by a witch so they cannot have children. The couple seeks ways to reverse this plight and meet up with some familiar names, like Jack, as in “and the Beanstalk,” and Little Red Riding Hood.
While children will respond to those characters and the fantasy setting, life lessons for adults are mingled into the plot that adults will react to, said Deapo, who directs the play.
The woods becomes a metaphor for the adage “Be careful what you wish for.” Most people want to find a place in between what they say they want and what they have, Deapo said.
Other messages are sprinkled throughout the play.
“It's the responsibility of the community to come together during difficult times,” he said.
This is something the Community Theatre can demonstrate. Because this is the troupe's first year, the members didn't have any reserves to fund the cost of the show, from buying rights to the script to costuming and set design, many people have kicked in. This includes Elbridge. The municipality fronted some of the money for the show.
A low budget stage production can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000, Deapo said.
The group is hoping they will make enough to pay back any borrowed money and build a financial foundation for next summer's play.
One thing the troupe isn't short on is an experienced cast, according to Deapo.
“There was a lot of talent based in this area and it was a nice way to bring those students home to the community,” he said.
People from Auburn, Weedsport, Liverpool, Fayetteville and, of course, Jordan and Elbridge auditioned for roles in June.
This year, they will focus on older cast members. They can decide to change that policy in the future, he added.
“I think the willingness to participate is anyone who has the itch to be on the stage, we'll look for any opportunity to do that,” Deapo said.
The school district has provided space for their shows.
Because the community theater will only perform a summer show, it will not conflict with school productions so residents won't have to choose between two plays.
The summer is a gamble because people are on vacation or simply engaged in other activities.
“We want to see how the community responds to this,” he said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or at jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “Into the Woods”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and
Saturday
Where: Jordan-Elbridge High School auditorium
Cost: $10, can be purchased at the door, or reserve tickets by leaving your phone number and the amount wanted at 689-8500 ext. 1700
To join: Anyone interested in joining the group can also leave your number on the hotline message
Drew Deapo, technical director for the school, and Sarah Hunter, a graduate of the district, formed the community group after seeing how many adults participated in the school's musical productions.
They decided to give them a place to go.
The group has about 30 actors, all older than 18, and technical support. Deapo said they will try to perform one play a summer, and they are concentrating on musicals. They will perform “Into the Woods” this weekend.
This play puts a new twist on fairy tales. While familiar characters haunt the script, an original couple will play a large role. The story tells of a baker and his wife who are cursed by a witch so they cannot have children. The couple seeks ways to reverse this plight and meet up with some familiar names, like Jack, as in “and the Beanstalk,” and Little Red Riding Hood.
While children will respond to those characters and the fantasy setting, life lessons for adults are mingled into the plot that adults will react to, said Deapo, who directs the play.
The woods becomes a metaphor for the adage “Be careful what you wish for.” Most people want to find a place in between what they say they want and what they have, Deapo said.
Other messages are sprinkled throughout the play.
“It's the responsibility of the community to come together during difficult times,” he said.
This is something the Community Theatre can demonstrate. Because this is the troupe's first year, the members didn't have any reserves to fund the cost of the show, from buying rights to the script to costuming and set design, many people have kicked in. This includes Elbridge. The municipality fronted some of the money for the show.
A low budget stage production can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000, Deapo said.
The group is hoping they will make enough to pay back any borrowed money and build a financial foundation for next summer's play.
One thing the troupe isn't short on is an experienced cast, according to Deapo.
“There was a lot of talent based in this area and it was a nice way to bring those students home to the community,” he said.
People from Auburn, Weedsport, Liverpool, Fayetteville and, of course, Jordan and Elbridge auditioned for roles in June.
This year, they will focus on older cast members. They can decide to change that policy in the future, he added.
“I think the willingness to participate is anyone who has the itch to be on the stage, we'll look for any opportunity to do that,” Deapo said.
The school district has provided space for their shows.
Because the community theater will only perform a summer show, it will not conflict with school productions so residents won't have to choose between two plays.
The summer is a gamble because people are on vacation or simply engaged in other activities.
“We want to see how the community responds to this,” he said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or at jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “Into the Woods”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and
Saturday
Where: Jordan-Elbridge High School auditorium
Cost: $10, can be purchased at the door, or reserve tickets by leaving your phone number and the amount wanted at 689-8500 ext. 1700
To join: Anyone interested in joining the group can also leave your number on the hotline message
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