American literature’s most well-known juvenile delinquent is coming to the stage for three shows at the Oxford High School Performing Arts Center July 30-Aug. 1.
The Oxford Community Theater is proud to present, as its very first production, the play ‘Tom Sawyer.?
Directed by Oxford resident Kelly Brock, the play was written by Ric Averill and adapted from 19th century author Mark Twain’s classic novels.
According to Brock, much of the play is taken from the 1876 novel ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer? about a mischievous 12-year-old boy growing up in the Mississippi River town of St. Petersburg, Missouri.
‘It’s not the entire story,? she said. ‘They just pull out some of the main events.?
From convincing his friends to whitewash a fence for him and witnessing Injun Joe murder Doc Robinson to creating his own band of robbers and falling in love with Becky Thatcher, the audience will follow Sawyer’s adventures until he ultimately saves the day.
‘It deals with basic human truths ? coming of age, doing what’s right, life and death, those kinds of lessons,? Brock said.
‘It’s definitely geared towards a family audience or an elementary school audience,? Brock noted. ‘But I think anybody will enjoy it.?
The play stars Phillip Christiansen, 13, as Tom Sawyer, and Jacob Alexander, 11, as Huck Finn. Elizabeth Schonfeld, 13, plays the object of Sawyer’s affection ? Becky Thatcher.
Most of the plays 51 participants are children/youth ages 4-16. Over 20 adults are performing various technical roles from stage managing to organizing concessions.
All three performances (July 30, 31 and Aug. 1) will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are $5 for both adults and kids.
Tickets can be purchased through the parks and rec. department or at the door.
The Oxford Community Theater is sponsored by Oxford Twp. Parks and Recreation.
It was founded by Parks/Rec employee Becky Paquin, OHS Choir Director Chris Card and Brock, who works part-time as a theater instructor at Rochester College.
‘The three of us have kind of pioneered the theater,? Brock said. ‘I’ve been waiting for Oxford to have a community theater for a really long time.?