The classic tale of "The Wind in the Willows," based on Kenneth Grahame's beloved novel that chronicles the adventures of the incorrigible Toad and the attempts of his wise friends to redeem him, will be performed in the Pardoe Theatre at Brigham Young University Friday, May 30, through Saturday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets at $12 or $3 off with a BYU or student ID are available in the Fine Arts Ticket Office, (801) 378-4322 or www.byu.edu. There will be no performances Sundays or Mondays. Half-price preview performances will be Wednesday and Thursday, May 28 and 29. A matinee will be performed Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m.
The theatre does not encourage attendance by children under the age of 6.
Adapted by Alan Bennett and directed by Char Nelson, with original music composed by Murray Boren, this BYU Theatre for Families production of "The Wind in the Willows" is a story about friendship, living respectfully and getting along.
"One way of 'getting along' involves an individual or group achieving success at the expense of another," said Nelson. "The second way focuses on a generous-spirited appreciation of the value of the other and a sensitivity to his or her needs, a willingness to bend one's own objectives in order to bless and serve another."
Throughout the play, Toad's actions allow him to "get along" in achieving exactly what he wants for himself and having others serve him.
"He 'gets along' by spending money to satisfy one self-centered passion after another, never considering how his choices might affect others," Nelson said. "Near the end of the play, we are left to wonder how permanent Toad's change of heart is."
When all is said, the boastful, unstable Toad, the hospitable Water Rat, the shy, wise, childlike Badger and the Mole with his brave boyish ways are neither animals nor men, but are types of that deeper humanity which influences us all, said Nelson.
To enhance the family theatre experience, a complimentary study guide is available to provide background information about the production. It includes a comprehensive description, activities, discussion questions and more. The study guide can be accessed on the Web (www.byu.edu/tma/production).
Members of the company include Rachel Howe as Mole, Shelley Tuckfield Graham as Rat, Caitlin Wise as Toad and Benjamin N. Hess as Badger. Other cast members include Peter Biggs as Albert and Laura Reyna as Chief Weasel.
Scenic designers for the production are Eric Fielding and Curt R. Jensen, costume designers are Rory Scanlon and Morelia Diaz, makeup and hair designer is Rochelle Knight and the lighting designer is Michael G. Handley. The production stage manager is Charlene Gan.
Writer: Elizabeth B. Jensen
