The LaPorte Service League will present the classic children’s musical “Peter and the Wolf” for area students and the public. This is the Service League’s 80th annual production.
The play will be presented for school children throughout LaPorte County at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Jan. 27, 28 and 30, in the LaPorte High School Auditorium. An additional performance will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Jan. 31, is an alternative day in case of inclement weather.
The general public may attend any of the above times, as well as at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, or at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1.
Suggested donation is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children.
In addition to grade-school, preschool and homeschool students, groups of younger children are welcome.
Educational packets that follow state standards are put together by LaPorte school teacher and LaPorte Service League member Jan Yandt.
Groups interested in reserving a time to attend the production may contact Claudia Winter at 219-778-4478. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for some performance dates.
Longtime league member Sheryl Edwards will direct the play, adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory. It is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences. The play is an adaptation of the classic orchestral suite by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. The symphonic selection was created with narration to introduce audiences throughout the world to the various instruments that make up an orchestra.
Edwards has directed and acted in Service League plays for 27 years.
“In a time when the arts are experiencing more and more budget cuts in our school systems, I feel it is critical for communities to provide artistic opportunities for children whenever possible. LaPorte Service League continues to do this by producing outstanding children’s theatre to entertain and inspire the youth of our area,” Edwards said. “This year’s young audiences will thoroughly enjoy the catchy tunes, colorful sets and costumes and clever antics of Peter and his friends as they grow to understand the actions of the wolf and help him change his evil ways!”
All aspects of this production — directing, acting, set construction, costuming, publicity, ushering, prop selection, and music direction — are undertaken by Service League members.
Cast members include: Debbie Ault – Peter; Frog/Narrator – Kris Cook; Cat – Lana Cook; Bird – Lisa Denger; Lady Hunter – Marianne DePersio; Wolf – Joanne Gorecki; Hunters – Beth LeRoy, Beth Mann and Sandra Olson; Poppy/Grandfather – Mary Ellen McCain; Baba/Grandmother – Annette Williams; Duck – Claudia Winter. Crew members include: Ramona Komasinski (production manager), Marsha Barr, Connie Kuzydym and Carol Holcomb.
The LaPorte Service League play has been presented for the cultural enrichment of area students since the organization was founded by Hallie Fox in 1932. The annual production is a year-long project and each of the active members is required to spend at least 15 hours working on the event.
Other popular plays presented over the past 79 years have included “Cinderella,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and “Alice in Wonderland.”
The Service League’s other volunteer services for the community include providing eye screenings, dental education and tutoring for area students, bell ringing and cooking meals for Salvation Army, bi-monthly bingo at the LaPorte County Home, deliveries for Meals on Wheels, and awarding scholarships to deserving students.
For more information, visit the LaPorte Service League page on Facebook page or email LPServiceLeague@gmail.com.