Special to the News-Times
EL DORADO — The theater committee of the South Arkansas Arts Center has announced its new season of theater productions beginning with the fall selection of “Frankenstein.”
Rounding out this season of fantasy adventures will be “The Neverending Story,” as well as “The Addams Family – A New Musical.
“Frankenstein,” sponsored by Simmons Bank, is set in 19th century Switzerland. This classic tale of horror and suspense details the ill-fated experiments of young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to fathom the secrets of life and death. Purchasing cadavers from two unsavory grave robbers, he gives life to a creature both hideous and touching — and so physically powerful and mentally twisted that he soon brings death or destruction to all who stand in his way. Adhering more closely to the original novel than did the famous motion picture versions, the play blends moments of brooding terror and sudden shock with questions of morality and the dangers of unrestrained scientific inquiry. “Frankenstein” will run Oct. 27-31, with auditions being held on Sept. 12-13.
“The Neverending Story” is told with all the thrills of a classic adventure and will be produced in March 2017. The story begins with Bastian, a lonely boy, who stumbles into a curious bookshop where he discovers a curious book — “The Neverending Story.” Bastian hides in the attic of his school and begins to read and a huge adventure surges into life. It is a gripping adventure full of weird and wonderful creatures and is as much about the power of imagination and friendship as a boy becomes a man, as it is about colorful demons and otherworldly places. Craig’s adaptation captures the adventure and magic of the story, creating the theatrical equivalent of a real page turner. “The Neverending Story” will be sponsored by Teague Auto Group and Bancorp South, according to a news release from the arts center.
“The Addams Family — a New Musical,” which will run during the summer of 2017, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family — a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his family. “The Addams Family — A New Musical” is being sponsored by Murphy USA.
For more information about the 2016-2017 season, call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 E. Fifth St., El Dorado.