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MONMOUTH — The Theater at Monmouth presents Ruth Stiles Gannett’s adventure story, “My Father’s Dragon,” as its 2017 Family Show.
The play, adapted for the stage by producing artistic director, Dawn McAndrews, opens at 7:30 Saturday, June 24, and will run through the season.
Each summer, the theater presents a play for children of all ages adapted from classic literature.
When Elmer Elevator hears about the plight of a poor mistreated baby dragon, he packs his knapsack and stows away on a ship headed for Wild Island. Nothing will stop Elmer from rescuing the dragon. With the help of two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, chewing gum, and a fine-toothed comb, Elmer outwits the fiercest of beasts and saves the day.
Director Adam P. Blais said the production will “encourage audiences of all ages to use their imaginations, lead with their hearts, and dare to fly.” The play celebrates the spontaneous and playful nature of children, young and old.
Ruth Stiles Gannett wrote the play just a few years after her graduation from Vassar College in 1944. It was an immediate success, becoming a Newbery Honor Book, and was soon followed by two sequels, “Elmer and the Dragon” and “The Dragons of Blueland.” All three dragon stories have been continuously in print for more than 70 years since their publication.
The play features Mackenzie Shaw as Cat/Dragon; Mike Dolan as Elmer; Emery Lawrence as Mother/Monkey; Ben Shaw as Narrator/Gorilla; and CJ Stewart as Sailor/Rhino. Set design by Stacey Koloski, costume design by Elizabeth Rocha, lights by Daniel Brodhead, and sound by Rew Tippin.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For calendar and reservations, contact the box office 933-9999 or visit www.theateratmonmouth.org.
