DUBOIS – Mythology is this year’s Children’s Theater Workshop showcase. It’s Greek to me. It’s Greek to you, too, at the Reitz Theater of Cultural Resources Inc. (CRI) in Dubois.
Thirty children, ages five to 14 years, are in rehearsal for performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10-12 at 6:30 p.m., at the Reitz Theater, 36 E. Scribner Ave., Dubois.
Three other young people, Autumn Black, Dave Nagele IV and Jacquelyn Spicher, are among the directors of the five short plays featured in this summer’s show.
Also directing are Nikki Cherry, Andi Kohlepp, Ashley Simpson-Neiger and Bobbie Reitz.
Back in May, a small group of participants met for a writer’s workshop, resulting in the majority of the shows written by the children themselves. The theme was selected for its elements of action and adventure, as well as its moral lessons.
Action comes to the forefront in the opening, a finely choreographed combat sequence depicting The Defeat of Kronos, set to the song “Centuries” by Fallout Boy. The stories are narrated by the epic Greek poet Homer, played by Reitz veteran Dave Nagele III.
“We have a great opportunity to guide students through all aspects of the theatrical tradition from the writing and acting to the production and technical aspects. We are blessed to have a great group of students, a great team of leaders and some great parents that have come together to make this happen,” says workshop director Andi Kohlhepp.
The five stories are Persephone and Demeter, written by Maddie Olewnick, Becoming Medusa by Andi Kohlhepp, Echo and Narcissus, by Kaylee Small and Devan Bell, Arachne the Spinner, by Julia Wirths, Riley Vanderpool and Jada Brumberg and Minute to Win It – Mythology Edition, by David Reitz IV and Doug Siple. Minute to Win It features the 12 Labors of Hercules.
This short story format with young actors and actresses makes Mythology ideal for children and families. It is certain to captivate all members of the audience.
Tickets are $7 general admission, available at the theater’s box office, Thursday’s between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., or at Kohlhepp True Value in Dubois.
Tickets may be purchased at the door on show nights, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Contact the Reitz Theater at theReitzTheater@gmail.com or online at www.reitztheater.com.