Wednesday, April 18, 2001
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Wednesday, April 18, 2001 |
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Myths and legends at the center of Offshoot's apprentice play Offshoot Productions' April show is a mix of music and stories from around the world. "The Blue Light and Other Stories," which runs April 19-22 at the LaFayette Educational Center in Fayetteville, is a theatrical experience designed to delight audiences of all ages, according to Offshoot director Susan Steadman. "The Blue Light" is an apprentice production, which means that the ensemble is composed of nonprofessionals involved in the apprentice program and members of the community. Apprentices appearing in this show previously provided backstage support for last winter's professional production of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." The "story theater" approach of this play by Paul Sills means that the actors switch back and forth between narrating the story and portraying various characters. This combination of folklore, fairy tales and legends with traditional and original music puts the emphasis on the acting process, rather than on elaborate sets and props. The cast, which includes performers from three south side counties, is composed of Jessica Clay, Kimbo Daniel, Scott Draffin, Jerry Ellis, Melissa Hamilton, Katy Jenkins, Christina Kelly, Terah Justice-Kleemeyer, Erin Ramsey, Jeremy Steadman, Katie Vogel and Joey Waldrop. Co-directed by Offshoot's artistic director, Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D., and Amy Emrich-Selby, the play features original music by Paige Steadman. Accompaniment is provided by Susan R. Dolan, Katy Jenkins and Stuart Lee. Admission for the Thursday, April 19, 8 p.m. preview performance is $4, with tickets available only at the door. Tickets for the regular performances, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., are available in advance at the Peachtree City Library, 201 Willowbend Road, 770-631-2520, and the Fayette County Library, 1821 Heritage Parkway, 770-461-8841. Ticket prices are $6 for general admission, and $5 for full-time students, small children and senior citizens. The LaFayette Educational Center (formerly Fayette County High School) is at 205 LaFayette Ave., near the intersection of Ga. highways 54 and 85. Offshoot also will usher in the spring with two acting workshops for young performers. The first, the actor's instruments: voice and movement for the stage, is for ages 8 to 14. Scheduled for Sunday, April 29 from 2 - 5 p.m., the session provides exercises and scene work to help youngsters make the most of their natural abilities. Cost is $25. The second workshop, stage basics for young performers, is designed for ages 6 to 8 and will be Sunday, May 6, from 3 - 5 p.m. This introduction to theater uses improvisation and theater games in a supportive atmosphere. The cost is $16. Taught by professional directors and actors, both workshops will be at the Peachtree City Library, 201 Willowbend Road. For information phone 770-631-2362 or e-mail offshootpr@aol.com. |
