This year's Carson Performing Arts Fairytale Theatre performance of "Hansel and Gretel" opens tonight with a 7:30 p.m. show in the Bob Boldrick Theatre at the Carson City Community Center.
Fairytale Theatre is an annual student-directed production by Carson High's after-school performing arts club.
After practicing their lines in the school's Black Box Theatre, the cast of "Hansel and Gretel" moved to the Bob Boldrick for "tech week" last week, according to director Lora McComb.
"We have to make sure everyone is in costume and take care of all the technical elements -- lights, sound, spot lights, our sets, our fly and props," said the Carson High senior.
McComb, 17, double cast several roles for this year's production.
"The reason I double cast was I had so many people who auditioned that were such great actors and who had put so much effort into previous performances. I felt that I wanted to give as many people a part as I could."
McComb, who wants to study stage management when she graduates, said there are some exciting elements to this year's show.
"We have people using accents, which just makes it so much more enjoyable. And we've got some great costumes, which is more exciting for the younger viewers."
Fairytale Theatre performances are geared toward younger audience members, and several school groups are scheduled to attend.
High school theater volunteer and "drama mama" Pat Josten said students were being bused in from as far away as Dayton Elementary and Sutro schools.
"The Fritsch group is so big they fill the entire auditorium," she said.
Alexis Paul, 18, says she likes performing for the kids because she can be "outlandish and fun." The 11-year Carson resident plans to study theater at Southern Utah University.
"I dig little kids," says Ashley Bradshaw, who is working on her third Fairytale Theatre production. "Some years after they go back to class, they'll write letters, and those are really cute," said the 18-year-old.
Things are going well for the cast of "Hansel & Gretel" during McComb's directoral debut.
"Everything's coming together pretty well," she said.
She likes directing, even if it means she's the go-to girl for folks with questions.
"I have to come up with solutions for those problems," she said.
"Lora's the boss," Josten said.
IF YOU GO
What: Carson Performing Art's production of "Hansel & Gretel"
Where: Bob Boldrick Theatre, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
When: 7:30 p.m. tonight and Friday
Cost: 5 for general admission & $3 for children/students/seniors
Information and reservations: Call Pat Josten at 887-0438
