The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts in Red Bay will present “The Ransom of Red Chief,” by O. Henry and adapted by Anne Coulter Martens as the final play of the 2012-2013 season.
The performances will be April 25-27 at 7 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. at the Weatherford Centre, formerly the Arts and Entertainment Center, in Red Bay.
The play, directed by Keith Hager, is based on O’Henry’s humorous classic about Bill and Sam who make the mistake of kidnapping a brat known as “Red.”
Brought up by a skinflint uncle and mean housekeeper, Red gladly leaves with the two strangers. The kidnappers are delighted but it is their last moment of peace.
Red or Red Chief, as he prefers to be called, now has two full-time playmates and keeps them hopping. While Bill sets about collecting the ransom, Sam tries to entertain Red Chief. It’s tiring work and, finally, Sam’s patience exhausted, he makes the mistake of getting Red mad.
Red Chief’s vengeance soon has Sam calling for help. Never were two hapless criminals so bitterly taken advantage of. Instead of a handsome ransom, they’re going to have to pay what little they have for the privilege of returning the so-called victim.
Cast members include Levi Burney, Kaylen Thorn, Charis Murrell, Myah Jackson, Mary Elizabeth Moore, Garrett Thorn, Daphne Murrell, Kay Thorn, Ann Vinson, Mary Dyer, Hannah Jackson, Jim Lichtenthaler Jerry Self and Scotty Kennedy.
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the Weatherford Centre in Red Bay on weekdays from 2-4 p.m or call 256-356-9829 to reserve your tickets. For group tickets contact Beth Hammock at 256-356-9286.