Opening night for the Renner Theater’s latest production, Whistle Down the Wind is Friday, August 22 at 8 PM.
According to the theater’s website, Whistle Down the Wind is about three children on a Lancashire farm who believe a wounded, escaped convict they find hiding in their barn is Jesus Christ, and they vow to protect him, leading to a clash between their faith and the adults’ pursuit of justice.
Music was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by American composer Jim Steinman.
“The music and lyrics are fantastic. And it’s almost what you would call a rock opera. 90% of the story is told through the songs,”explained the show’s director Rich Tolliver.
Tolliver has directed over 200 plays and he has been involved in theater for 45 years. He writes the annual Christmas Benefit Show each year.
Working alongside Rich is music director, Susan Davis.
The cast includes: The Man, portrayed by Thomas Hoover, Allie Norman as Swallow, Brat played by Kienan Blair, Poor Baby performed by Haidyn Touvell, Amos played by Brayden Staker, Kate Hoover as Candy, Hayden Weck as Earl, Edward played by Rich Tolliver, Sheriff performed by Scott Robison, Lee Hoover will be Deputy, Boone acted by Kerby Staker, Snake Preacher performed by Nate Kearns, Vikki played by Preslee Davis, Louise performed by McKenzie Touvell, Jeckie played by Lucy Bradford, Clara will be portrayed by Ashlynn Smith, Renona played by Morayah Gillard, and Elizabeth acted by Sophia Starcher. The Ensemble includes Eric Blake, Michelle Robison, Jim Hoskinson, Sara Newell, and Andie Schmitt.
“[The show has] fascinating characters. It takes place in 1957 in Louisiana. It was a well-known novel. It was made into a movie,” explained Tolliver. “I’ve been wanting to do it for about 10 years. So it’s it’s one of those that we hope, when people walk away, they’ll think, yeah, that leaves you kind of thinking at the end of it.”
Showtimes are August 22, 23, 29, 30 at 8PM and Sunday matinees on August 24 and 31 at 2:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased by going to therenner.org.
“ So it’s good and evil and it’s about pain and it’s set to some fantastic music,” said Tolliver. “I hope people come and see it. I hope that maybe they’ll take a chance on something that they don’t know. It’s easy to go see something you’ve heard of or do know, but sometimes you have to take a little chance and I think it would be worth your while.”
Additional upcoming shows include Carrie the Musical on October 11, 12, 13, and 17, 18, 19 and the 35th Annual Christmas Benefit Show the second weekend of December. Follow facebook.com/www.zanetraceplayers.org for further details.
