Aesop's (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables
Aesop, Adapted by Kin Esop-Wylie
Stop! Look! Listen! Take in the GAME of the Century! Mz. Tortoise and Mz. Hare are facing off once again in Mouse River Player’s production of “Aesop’s ,Oh So Slightly, Updated Fables,” by Kim Esop-Wylie and directed by Holly Eidsness. Performances will be nightly at 7:30 on March 7, 8, 14, and 15 with 2:00 pm matinees on March 9 and 16. Think to yourself, “are the end results the same as I remember?”
Aesop, the noted Greek slave of 600 BC, created stories with ‘life lessons’ using animals in many human guises. Our show features the determined Mz. Tortoise vs. the agile Mz. Hare running the game of life. In addition to the familiar running duo are featured The Dog and the Bone, The Lion and the Mouse, The Fox and the Grapes, The Miller, his Son, and the Donkey, and The Country Maid. You may recognize many a familiar adage from the author’s wise morals.
Our production includes thirty-five actors aged from 2nd grade through adult. Several cast members were asked, “why try out for a play?” Their replies were both varied and similar. Noah, a regular face at MRP for several years replied, “It looked like FUN! I want to be in a play.” “I wanted to venture out of just musicals, and on a side note, I really like Aesop’s Fables,” stated Evey, who had been in our holiday presentation of Cinderella. “I wanted to expand my horizons and be part of the community more,” offered newcomer Emily. “I love theatre, and it is fun to do plays,” declared Harper. “I’ve always wanted to be in a play,” expressed Graham. Fun was the key word.
The (oh, so slightly updated) script includes clever and updated jokes constructed to appeal to kids and adults alike. For example, love abounds when Narrator Number 1 can’t decide whether his special love interest is Mz. Hare for her speed or Mz. Tortoise for her slower pace. He says, “They are the two most opposite and perfect creatures I’d ever met.” Who will win his heart?
One of the director’s personal fable favorites is based on The Fox and the Grapes. This vignette features ten grapes in a clump pitted against the wily Fox. The grapes say they are called the most Scrumptious, Delicious, and Intensely Perfect Grapes that ever grew on the planet to tease the hungry fox. Note: Olympic high jump antics are involved in this face-off.
The location for this multi scene game playoff is Mouse River Player’s Arlene Theatre at 115 1st St. SE (1 block north of Central Middle School Campus). Ticket Prices are Adults $15, Seniors/ Students/ Military $13, and Children twelve and under $10. Tickets may be purchased through our online reservation service at www.mouseriverplayers.com or at the box office during performance dates.
Aesop’s Oh, so Slightly Updated Fables is being sponsored by the Minot Elks USA Lodge 1089. You can find additional information about Mouse River Players, future performances, and volunteer opportunities on our website or by following us on Facebook.