LAMS To Present "More To The Story"

Nicole Yutzy, director of the Lititz Area Mennonite School (LAMS) production of "More to the Story," does not shrink from involving her cast members in the creation of her original shows. "For this show, I asked the students, 'What kind of characters would you like to play and what kind of show would you like to be in?'" recalled Yutzy of the process. "When you're writing from scratch, it's a challenge."

"More to the Story," a show that mixes classic fairy tale characters with fresh roles to explore "heroism" in the person of Robin Hood, played by Ethan Sommers, will be staged at Landis Hall at The Junction Center, 1875 Junction Road, Manheim, on Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, at 2 and 7 p.m. each day.

According to Yutzy, most actors in the nine-member cast of high school students play two roles as they examine the gray areas of the arrival of Robin Hood, whom some view as a hero, while others see him as a thief. "There's a woman who owns a (business), and she asks, 'Who made Robin Hood judge and jury?'" noted Yutzy. "She says, 'I am reasonably wealthy, but I have worked hard for my money,' so there is a lot of conflict."

While the characters mull over the question of whether Robin Hood is good or not, the 17 musical numbers Yutzy has chosen underscore the feelings of the characters. "The first song we sing is 'A Cover Is Not the Book' from 'Mary Poppins Returns,'" said Yutzy. Another big dance number is "Don't Break the Rules" from "Catch Me If You Can." Yutzy has also utilized "All for the Best" from Godspell to highlight two perspectives. "It can mean it's all going to work out or it means it's only for the best of the people, and the poor get the short end of the stick," she said.

Yutzy has been impressed by the talents and efforts of the students in the show. She noted that Hansel, also played by Sommers, and Gretel, played by Daisy Gettle, both are working to learn German accents. "I enjoy writing things that challenge the students," she said. "I want to grow them as actors and people." She noted that giving students a fun challenge and seeing them make a role work is a joy. "They come alive on stage (when) they explore what they didn't know they could do before."

According to Yutzy, the message of the show should resonate with audiences in a society where social media is so prevalent. "There are so many ways we instantly judge someone by how they look or dress or what they post politically or religiously," said Yutzy. "(I hope) that audiences would ask if they instantly judge ... and to take a (moment to think) before they judge (rather than) decide if people are shady or respectable based on the way they dress or speak."

Other characters include Esme Lee, played by Marissa Harrington; Elvin Martin, played by Jefferson Trilby; Lord Bradshaw and Jack Horner, played by Maison Martin; Jill Horner, played by Aliya Miller; Little Bo Peep, played by Olga Prikhodko; Leopold Lockhart and Liam Lockhart, played by Tyler Sommers; and Frank and Little John, played by TJ Stoltzfus.

Readers who would like to attend the free performance may visit http://www.junctioncenterproductions.com for tickets or get them at the door before a show.