The original Grimm brothers’ version of the "Snow White" fairy tale explores the dangers of the seven deadly sins, in particular those of vanity, pride and wrath versus the power of pure kindness and loving heart. With undercurrents of envy, lust, greed and other “sins” this classic story shows how a wicked queen's jealousy is no match for a resilient princess of pure heart. It reminds us that true beauty comes from within, not just in physical attractiveness.
On Thursday and Friday at the Karrh Center before a full house, opening our first community theater event in many years, Director Weston Snell brought a modern twist to the classic. In the director’s words, our “production explores a dark arc of envy, friendship, love and betrayal, pondering the deep moral questions of loyalty and the difficult choices we must make.” The choices the director made in the production were nothing short of magical.
In the opening scene narrated by the magic mirror (played beautifully throughout by Riley Flowers) we are introduced to the Queen (Amanda Thompson’s portrayal was amazing) whose envy, lust for immortality through the vanity of her appearance, and her planned wrath are reflected by the conversations upstage with the mirror - all this before introducing the title character!
Upon her entrance it was easy to see why the Queen would have such strong feelings against Snow White (played by the beautiful, talented and kindhearted Mckayla Hall) for her beauty was not only skin deep. Nor is her talent.
Each character in the production seemed perfectly played and cast. The witch, young princess and old woman (played by Emily Carter, Aisling Kelly and Abby Lewis respectively) each did an admirable job in keeping their subplot strings pulled tight. The prince (played well by Benjamin Bennet) and huntsman (played by the talented and funny Jonah Boatright) each brought depth and further interest to the effort.
And then there were seven. Dwarfs seem inappropriate given today’s sensibilities. Perhaps miners given their professions in the play…or minors given their ages. No matter…. What was amazing, is that each character was well played by our young footlight players. Stormie Dunaway was Sleepy, Lydia Loveall was Sneezy, Siblings Eden, Zoe and Chloe Bostic brought Dopey, Bashful and Happy to life, and not to be outdone the Kelly siblings Cavan & Grumpy played Doc and Grumpy. You are reading that right. Two pairs of siblings played five of the seven….might possibly have been six, but Aisling Kelly was busy playing a different part.
Talk about beaming families! They have every right to be proud of the work done by all that participated in the event, both on and off stage!
Special thanks to Monica Kelly, Morgan Loveall, The Bostic Family, Julie & Benjamin Bennet, Amanda Thompson, Jonah Boatright, City of Swainsboro, Melissa Kirby, Mayor Lillie Ann Brown, Herman Middlebrooks, Julie Busby, Terralynn Brinson and the staff of the Karrh Center.
Please be reminded there are only three events left in this season’s live event offerings, with the next being the 8th of August which will be the stylings of the Louis Pettinelli Jazz Band. Season tickets can still be purchased for the remainder of the performance season. Contact (478) 419-1308 or stop by the Karrh Center, 107 North Green Street in Swainsboro.
To see current and upcoming movies, live events or to donate, please visit https://karrhcenter.com add it to your favorites and links to help support our community arts theater and center. Follow on Facebook too!
