Page 7 - Dresden Buzz 08/22/2025

AUGUST 22 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 LOCAL NEWS | PAGE 7
Zane Trace Players to

present Whistle Down the Wind

Opening night is August 22

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

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