‘Something Wicked’ performances at Messalonskee begin March 7

OAKLAND — The Messalonskee Players will present “Something Wicked This Way Comes” — an adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic novel by the same name — Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 7 through 9, at Messalonskee High School Performing Arts Center, 131 Messalonskee Drive.
The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. for all performances.

The audience will be swept up one wild autumn night when Cooger and Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show rolls into town. For two kids — almost 14, but not quite — the lure of the fun fair is irresistible, but then, things we can’t resist might be things we should resist. Behind the smoke and mirrors, the carnival reveals the heart of darkness inside us all. Stay too long, look too hard, want too much, and the Autumn People will take you. With strange encounters and bizarre characters drawing us down into our fears, Bradbury’s tale also pulls us back up with the offer of hope.
The Messalonskee Players have been working to bring the circus tents and performers, music and magic, sleight of hand and trick of eye to the stage.Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $8 for adults. As always, come early on Friday to enjoy soup and salad at the annual Empty Bowls dinner for $10 ($8 for students and senior citizens) to raise money for area food pantries. Come to the show afterwards and a percentage of the ticket sales will go to the Empty Bowls Project as well. A show for everyone from nine up, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” is a great way to join the circus for the evening and the players encourage our audiences to join the spirit of the carnival by coming in costume.

PHOTO: Cast members, in front, Hannah Wentworth, and in back, from left, Gabby WoodMcGuckin, Katie Worcester and Molly Calkins, dressed for success for “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” (Submitted photo)