Starlight Stage Performs Tragic 'Dark of the Moon'
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The production plays opens Wednesday, July 29, through Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 906 Main St.
Written in 1939 by Richardson as a dramatization of the centuries-old European folk song "The Ballad of Barbara Allen," he later collaborated with his cousin Berney on the current version, which opened on Broadway in 1942.
Set in a small, isolated village in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina shortly after the Great Depression, the play centers on a Witch Boy named John who falls in love with a young mountain woman named Barbara Allen. He makes a Faustian pact with the Conjur Woman to become human for a year as long as Barbara stays faithful to him. The townspeople don't trust John, and question the young couple's marriage. When the truth about John comes out the relationship unravels towards a tragic end.
Because of the serious and tragic nature of the story, the show is not recommended for children under age 10.
The 2009 Starlight Company draws from local cities and towns, with one participant from New York City, Stella Bernstein.
Appearing in the production from North Adams and Clarksburg are Chris Donovan, Emma Gregory, Kaitlin Lavalley, Leah Miller, Carrigan Moresi and Brianna Richardson, and from Stamford, Vt., Connor Johnson.
From Williamstown are Aaron Burns, Director Brandon Burns, Maggie Crane, Lauren Diamond, Shyann Hoke, Molly Hynes, Sarah Kelly, Jeremy Mossoliani, Andrew Overstreet, Cassie Peltier and Damien Sharp.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children, available at the door. Reservations are not necessary. Parking is available behind the church in the lot off Chapin Hall Drive. The Fellowship Hall where Starlight performs is fully handicapped-accessible.
For more information call 413-458-4246, e-mail ssyt@roadrunner.com or visit www.starlightstageyouththeatre.com.
