Pied Piper production promises to deliver fun for everyone

By Christy Marsters

THE HANTS JOURNAL

NovaNewsNow.com

Quick-as-a-Wink puts a modern twist on a classic fable: The Pied Piper – The Musical.

Director Michelle Herx, who is also founder of Quick-as-a-Wink Theatre, noted most of the audience would likely be familiar with the story of the piper and the rats that try to take over Hamelin Town.

However, a musical version of it should be new to locals.

People will probably leave with songs stuck in their heads because the music is very fun and catchy, Herx said. “Be prepared to have lots of fun…this is meant to be fun.”

The thing most different about this play is there is no real lead, and with a cast of 33, almost half of which are children, sometimes it’s a bit like directing traffic in rehearsals, Herx said. “Still, this cast has treated the play with enthusiasm and the show is coming together well…a modern mix in medieval times adds to the humour.”

Tickets for The Pied Piper – The Musical will be available at the door and will cost $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 or under.

The shows will be held Oct. 2,3,9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., at the Windsor Royal Canadian Legion Hall, located at 35 Empire Ave. This year’s production is not a dinner theatre, but treats will be available during the intermission.

Nineteen-year-old Joe Gnemmi of Hantsport has been casted as the Pied Piper for this production. Already, he has acted in about 20 plays around Kings and Hants County.

In acting, Gnemmi said it’s important to step aside from yourself and let the character really come through. “If you do a good job, any show will always be worth seeing.” He said.

Just about everyone has heard of the Pied Piper because it’s an old fable story with a good moral, Gnemmi added. “It was intended for kids but it can appeal to everyone.”

Tom Webb, 47, from Windsor, has been cast as mayor of Hamelin Town – a powerful man who’s perhaps not right for the job, he’s pompous without substance.

Webb said the play has broad appeal and it should be something the whole family experiences. “For me, this is a chance to play make-believe. It’s a bit hard to memorize all lines but everything else is play…it’s just a matter of getting out and having fun.”

Josie Lake, 34, from Cheverie, is the Hamelin mayor’s wife – a selfish woman who demonstrates remorse for not owning up to responsibilities. She noted that the play is a cast of all ages, performed for all ages. “It is a lot about style and combining different eras, to make the play more appealing for audiences today,” she said, adding that it is important to stay in character to really get a character’s personality across. “This has been just a fantastic group to work with, but every production is an amazing joy to be in,” she said. “I get a creative outlet, friends and just a joy of creating live entertainment…and, I think everyone will want to come see this play.”