JOYCE — A band of city kids discover a beautiful house, with an equally lovely garden, in the middle of their concrete-and-broken-glass environment.
But then Gorgon, a grumpy giant, appears — and chases the youngsters away, hanging a “No trespassing” sign on the garden gate.
That selfishness brings on invaders known as Frost, Snow and Hail who burst into the haven and transform it by banishing spring.
This is the story of “The Selfish Giant,” coming to life courtesy of Crescent High School’s players Friday and Saturday night.
Their spring show, written by Gillette Elvgren and based on the short story by Oscar Wilde, will transform the cafetorium at Crescent School, 50350 state Highway 112, at 7 p.m.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.
In “Giant,” a disabled child named Chris, played by Crescent sophomore Rebecca Bowen, returns to the garden and treats the beast with love and understanding.
“This action softens the giant’s heart,” said director and school drama coach Christine Romeo.
What follows is a series of events that will enchant and entertain kids as well as grown-ups, she believes.
“‘The Selfish Giant’ is an audience-participation play with a theme of redemption through accepting the forgiveness and love of others,” Romeo added.
“It is an inspirational play with music, singalong and a frolicking good time with Gorgon, [and] children of all ages are welcome.”
Romeo’s favorite part of the show is when the children first see Gorgon’s garden.
“Through their eyes,” she said, “the audience sees the innocence and wonderment of a child’s heart.”
One does not need to be chronologically young to be immersed in this story, Romeo added.
The teenage cast of “The Selfish Giant” includes junior Kailee Rose in the roles of Taffeta and Snow, senior Yanik Wiengand as Bonner and Frost, junior Jessica Criss as George, sophomore Elisa Velasco as Hail and sophomore Josh Sowders as Gorgon.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for children 5 and younger.
For information about this and other Crescent School activities, phone the Crescent School District at 360-928-3311.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3550 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
