La Porte Service League will present a charming children's musical to area students and the public as it opens the 80th annual production on January 26, 2014.
Long-time League member Sheryl Edwards is directing Peter and the Wolf. The play is adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory based on the story by Sergei Prokofiev, with music by Hummie Mann. It is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences
The play is an adaptation of the classic orchestral suite by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. The symphonic selection was created with narration to introduce audiences throughout the world to the various instruments that make up an orchestra.
Edwards has enjoyed directing and acting in League's annual children's plays for 27 years. She selected Peter and the Wolf because by combining the arts of music and live theatre, this play serves as a wonderful educational tool for children of all ages.
"In a time when the arts are experiencing more and more budget cuts in our school systems, I feel it is critical for communities to provide artistic opportunities for children whenever possible. Now in its 80th year, La Porte Service League continues to do this by producing outstanding children's theatre to entertain and inspire the youth of our area," Edwards said. "This year's young audiences will thoroughly enjoy the catchy tunes, colorful sets and costumes and clever antics of Peter and his friends as they grow to understand the actions of the wolf and help him change his evil ways!"All aspects of this production, such as directing, acting, set construction, costuming, publicity, ushering, prop selection and music direction are performed by the dedicated members of La Porte Service League.
In addition, a number of talented actresses bring the roles of humans, animals and inanimate objects to life. They include:Debbie Ault - Peter; Frog/Narrator - Kris Cook; Cat - Lana Cook; Bird - Lisa Denger; Lady Hunter - Marianne DePersio; Wolf - Joanne Gorecki; Hunters - Beth LeRoy, Beth Mann and Sandra Olson; Poppy/Grandfather - Mary Ellen McCain; Baba/Grandmother - Annette Williams; Duck - Claudia Winter; Stage crew – Ramona Komasinski (Production Manager), Marsha Barr, Connie Kuzydym, and Carol Holcomb.
The play will be presented for school children throughout La Porte County at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, January 27, 28 and 30 in the La Porte High School auditorium. One performance will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29 and Friday, January 31 is an alternative day in case of inclement weather.
The general public may attend any of the above times, as well as at 1 p.m. Sunday, January 26, or 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 1. Suggested donation is $1 for adults, and 50 cents for children.In addition to grade schools, preschool classes, and home schooled students, groups of younger children are welcome. Educational packets which follow state standards are put together by La Porte school teacher and La Porte Service League member, Jan Yandt.
Groups interested in reserving a time to attend the production may contact Claudia Winter at 219-778-4478. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for some performance dates.The La Porte Service League play has been presented for the cultural enrichment of area students since the organization was founded by Hallie Fox in 1932. The annual production is a year-long project and each of the active members is required to spend at least 15 hours working on the event.
Other popular plays presented over the past 79 years have included Cinderella, Charlotte's Web, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Alice in Wonderland.
This is just one of several ongoing volunteer services that the nonprofit organization contributes to the community. Other projects include providing eye screenings, dental education and tutoring for area students, bell ringing and cooking meals for Salvation Army, bi-monthly Bingo at the County Home, deliveries for Meals on Wheels, and awarding scholarships to deserving students. For more information, see the organization's Facebook page or email LPServiceLeague@gmail.com.