Beloved childhood story springs onto ARTspace stage for 8 performances with cast from community
Theatre Bristol presents the beloved stories of “The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and His Friends,” opening Friday, March 24 and running for eight shows on the ARTspace stage, 506 State Street.
“Five delightful tales including Peter Rabbit, The Tailor of Gloucester and Jemima Puddle-Duck are interwoven with the fascinating life of their creator, Beatrix Potter, in this enchanting, enlightening entertainment for all ages,” says Dramatic Publishing. “The play moves back and forth from the fantasy world she created to the intriguing story of Beatrix Potter herself, who overcame her lonely, strict childhood—in which her writings and drawings were discouraged in the male-oriented Victorian era—to become the most widely read children’s author of all times.”
In this play written by Joseph Robinette, we meet Beatrix’s governess, Annie, the narrator of the play and Annie’s children who originally enjoyed these stories. Dramatic Publishing calls this show “both entertaining and educational, a must for any child—or adult—who has ever fallen under the magical spell of Peter Rabbit and his many friends.”
Laura O’Bryan, veteran Theatre Bristol actor most recently portraying Marmee in “Little Women, The Broadway Musical,” makes her debut as director of Peter Rabbit. She is supported by assistant director Shannon Dabney, stage manager Eden Phillips, tech director Steve Baskett, scenic artist Lee Ann Johnson, costumer Hyacynth Barbera, props manager Zaiah Gray, and light and sound operator Dakota Otey.
The Peter Rabbit cast includes Annika Burley as narrator Annie Carter Moore and Faith Vance as Beatrix Potter. Story characters are brought to life by Steve Baskett as Mr. McGregor, Tailor, Trout, Kep, and the policeman; and Hunter Johnson as Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Adult Noel, Fox,Tom Thumb, and Mayor.
They are joined by a cast making debuts on the Theatre Bristol stage as well as veterans, including Mason White as Peter Rabbit, Young Noel, Chutney the dog, and the Footman; Claire Chitwood as Lucinda and Farmer’s Wife; Avery Fick as a Moore child, Jack Sharp, and Barney the dog; Sydney Cunningham as Sir Alderman Ptolemy Tortoise and third mouse; Ava Marie White as Jane and Rebeccah Puddle-duck; Lyric Booher as Jemima Puddle-duck, and third reporter; Lucy Tester as a Moore child, first mouse and second reporter; Whitney Brooks as Sparrow and second mouse; Sarah Countiss as Newton and Hunca Munca, Mother Rabbit and first reporter; Ryleigh Tolbett as Simpkin the Cat, Flopsy and fourth reporter; Lucy Fay as Freda and Mopsy; and Savannah Blevins as Cotton-tail and Little Mouse.
“It’s a joy to work with this cast of children and adults to bring such a favorite back to the Theatre Bristol stage,” said O’Bryan. We have a talented and dedicated crew and I can’t wait to share this more than 150-year-old story with the very youngest of our community. It really is a treasure to all of us, of all ages.”
“Peter Rabbit” will open on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 pm and run for morning, matinee and evening performances for two weekends at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace, 506 State Street, Bristol, TN:
March 24 at 7:30 pm
March 25 at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm
March 26 at 2:30 pm
March 31 at 7:30 pm
April 1 at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm
April 2 at 2:30 pm
Tickets are $12, and for children and seniors tickets are $10. Show information is also available online at http://www.TheatreBristol.org or by calling the message line at 423-212-3625.
Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee and now celebrating its 51st season. Its Main Stage season consists of up to five productions. Some of its performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 120. Theatre Bristol is entirely volunteer run and we invite you to get involved. Theatre Bristol’s work is made possible by generous donors, including season sponsors The United Company Foundation and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.