Photo Coverage: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at NCTC

One of history's most-beloved stories, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," is to be presented on the main stage at Newnan Community Theatre Company this September.

Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Clemens, wrote "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in 1876.  Twain has been extensively quoted, known by many as the Father of American Literature.  During his lifetime he was friend to presidents and royalty. 

Twain modeled "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" after himself and his own childhood in Hannibal, Missouri.  Hannibal served as the fictional town of St. Petersburg in story.  At that time, Missouri was a slave state, and this theme was explored in many of Twain's writings.  Huck Finn is also modeled after a childhood friend.  The play takes during antebellum times on the Mississippi River.

Tom Sawyer (Kyle Hersey) lives with his Aunt Polly (Lynn Sovik) and half-brother, Sidney (James Chappell).  He falls in love with newcomer Becky Thatcher (Lydia Williams) and they become engaged.  Becky breaks off the engagement when she learns that Tom was previously engaged to Amy Lawrence (Embree Battles).  After being shunned by Becky, Tom and Huck Finn (Caleb Earle) witness the murder of Dr. Robinson (Chad Davis) by Injun Joe (John Chappell).  Joe blames Muff Potter (Tim McMullen) for the crime and Potter is arrested. 

Additional cast members are Renee Gentry as Widow Douglas, Barb McMullen as Mrs. Harper, Lenton Lees as Walter Potter, Briana Morgan as Mary Rogers, Ivana Osma as Gracie Miller, Jason Abraham as Joe Harper, Alex Naughton as Ben Rogers, Davis McCondichie as Alfred Temple, Jan Davis as Rev. Sprague, Mike Maloy as Sheriff Jones, David Porter as Judge Thatcher, and Brenda Naughton as Mrs. Thatcher.  Harrison Ford, Stuart Grable, and Jake Azarowicz appear as townsmen.  The show is being directed by Lamar Payne.  Harrison Ford is the Assistant Director.

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" initially sold just 30 copies.  However, by the time of Mark Twain's death, it became a bestseller and an American classic.  Playwright Paul Kester adapted the book by Mark Twain for the stage in 1932.

The play will be performed on September 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27.  Showtimes are 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2:30 on Sundays.  "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is part of the theatre's 2009 season.  It is rated PG due to language and mild violence.  Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for students and seniors; and $10 for children.  Reservations are highly recommended.  To make a reservation, email NCTC at info@newnantheatre.org or call the theatre at (770) 683-6282.  Tickets may be purchased in advance from the theatre's website.

NCTC is located at 24 1st Avenue in downtown Newnan.  The theatre is celebrating it's 32nd year of providing live entertainment.  Next up at the theatre is "Down The Road," by Lee Blessing, which replaces "Misery" on their season schedule.  For more information about "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "Down The Road" or the Newnan Community Theatre Company, visit their website at newnantheatre.org.

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