BWW Preview: First Stage Reprises Fantastic HOLES to Open 2016

To begin the new year, First Stage reprises Holes, a 1998 National Book Award Winner (for Young People's Literature) and 1999 Newbery Medal Award novel. Author Louis Sachar eventually transformed his novel into a Theater for Young Audience script, which retains much of the impressive language of the original text. Company Artistic Director Jeff Frank delights in returning the fantasy/mystery story to the Todd Wehr stage while also directing this new production. Originally produced by the company in 2004, HOLES captures themes resonating 11 years later as Frank believes, "This compelling mystery story, a myth, reverberates over generations."

Frank shares that this literally means over generations in Sachar's story, and in the audiences who might be returning. "Super rich in relevance, super entertaining and super captivating," Frank continues, "Holes celebrates the power of storytelling and encourages people of all ages to share their wisdom to help us all think about how we want to live our lives."

What exactly are those "holes" the title in this thought provoking story names? Sachar sets his multi-generational play through events happening during the late 1800's, the turn of the 20th century, and contemporary Texas although based at Camp Green Lake. After decades of drought, supposedly caused by a curse, this Texas detention center for troubled youths resembles little of any green, growing life and a dried up lake, now another huge desert hole.

Two young teenage boys, Stanley and Zero, represent the main characters, and dig holes in the barren ground to serve their time in the detention camp, a physically demanding activity, and hunt for a buried treasure believed to be hidden on the former lake site. A menacing warden and several other characters, including the boys Armpit, Magnet and X-Ray, relate the non-linear story while the teenagers spend their rehabilitation at Camp Green Lake, where several other tragic acts unfold and the dangerous yellow spotted lizards roam the forsaken territory.

First Stage double casts the young performer troupe with 12 members each. Preston Carr and Darius Gaskin give Stanley and Zero their rightful due in the Lizard cast, while the Rattlesnake cast features Kaden Rhodes and Collin Woldt. Malkia Stampley, Mary MacDonald Kerr and Todd Denning head up the adult cast in this powerful adventure story carrying depictions of abuse of power, historical family legacies, friendship, justice, loyalty, prejudice and racism. To assist the entire cast in developing these themes with empathy, Assistant Director Sheri Williams Pannell led a workshop based on real life human stories to increase the dialogue regarding prejudice and race.

Current events spill over with tragic stories of "Black Lives Matter" and Muslim/Islamic or even Syrian-refugee prejudices. Most recently, at a Presidential rally one Muslim women named Rose wore a shirt saying "Shalom, I come in peace," and was still forcefully removed from the venue amid name calling and ugly emotions overflowing into the crowd. Frank explained, "Prejudice and hate stem from fear and ignorance. When we illuminate stories, human stories, we hope to increase understanding and awareness of these concerns, making it more difficult to walk through life with a hate filled heart."

Stanley survives Camp Green Lake Frank says 'as a reluctant hero," while Zero needs to overturn the belief he is unintelligent. While the boys' lives reveal different family stories, they each acknowledge the consequences of their actions for being there. Holes develops empathy and understanding for these youths, and their previous family legacies, the mistakes they, and in turn, all of the audience can encounter while growing toward maturity.

While the "holes," those unfortunate circumstances or decisions humans might inadvertently dig for themselves and then step into along life's journey, which may impede their progress for a moment, ultimately Frank concludes: "The story resonates with the questions: Are we victims of our fate and do we make our own destiny? Do the decisions in our life change its course and affect others we care about?"

The fantastic Holes production opens at First Stage, Friday, January 15, 7:00 p.m.., and might reveal significant answers to those important questions in a unique way to every new audience.

First Stage presents Louis Sachar's Award-Winning Holes in the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts from January 15 though February 14, with a recommendation the performance is suitable for those age nine and older. Picture depicts Director Jeff Frank in the rehearsal process. The first Wednesday after opening night offers a "Pay What You Choose," ticket price to encourage new theatergoers. For further information, special events and to purchase tickets, please call: 414.273.7206 or www.Firststage.org.

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