THE MAGIC CHALICE
The cast has been selected and rehearsals are underway for THE MAGIC CHALICE, NMSU-A Theatre on the Hill's Ninth Annual Theatre for Young Audiences production.
THE MAGIC CHALICE is a new musical written and composed by Alamogordo resident JD Droddy, and with music arrangements by High Rolls resident and NMSU-A faculty member Lynette Wedig. The NMSU-A production marks the "world premiere" of this delightful musical that promises to enchant both children and adults.
Connie Breding, NMSU-A Director of Theatre, wanted the Spring 2008 production to be a special one to coincide with the college's 50 Anniversary. "I wondered what script would be a good choice, and then the idea came to me: what about a new play?"
In August of 2007, Breding contacted Droddy and asked if he might be able to provide a new musical for the college to produce. "I had seen 'A Mother Goose Tail' that Droddy did with Alamogordo Music Theatre, and I was impressed with Droddy's work. I felt he could give us an exciting script."
Always a man to take on a good challenge, Droddy threw his writing and composing into high gear, and by December, the script of THE MAGIC CHALICE was ready.
"I am thrilled to have THE MAGIC CHALICE premiere at NMSU-A. Theatre on the Hill always produces its shows in a first-class manner. To be the first original script produced by NMSU-A in their series of productions for young audiences is a great honor," said Droddy.
THE MAGIC CHALICE takes place in North Land, and pits good against evil when The Magic Chalice, believed to be filled with The Elixir of Happiness, is stolen from Master Snowden by wicked Goblins and given to Miserabilis, a sad dragon. In the end, wrong is righted and everyone learns the lesson that "Happiness comes from within."
The production features a large cast of both young performers and adults. Principal roles are played by Odette M. Gutierrez del Arroyo Perez, Rod Barnes, Malachi Holmes, Mykayla Booth, Victoria Ramirez, Hannah Kashmar, Robby Chanez-Jacks, Justin Randle, and Carlos Aranda.
The band of merry Elves are played by Jazmin Avina, Jamie Booth, Olivia Budak, Tiffany Wallace, Heather Coley, and Kathy Fish.
The Gnomes are played by Martin Avina, Eddie Foree, Raini O'Connor, Theresa Foree, Shantel Patterson, Nathaniel Shakespeare, MacKenzie Johnston, Anthony Shakespeare, and Amanda Towery.
The Goblins are played by Zachary Booth, Jonathan Booth, Aaron Budak, Bailey Rardin, Carol Scott, Sandi Rose Palmer, Tiffany Williams, Vanessa Isleib, Kelsea Williams, and Sabryna Sartin.
Production dates for THE MAGIC CHALICE are April 11, 12, 18, 19 & 20. The Friday performances start at 7:30 pm and the Saturday and Sunday shows begin at 2 pm. All performances are at the Rohovec Fine Arts Center on the college campus.
Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for high school students, $3 for children, and $2 for NMSU-A students (who must present proof of current college enrollment and to qualify for the student discount, they must purchase tickets at the theatre box office). Advance tickets will soon be available for sale at The Blue Stone on White Sands Blvd. and TLC Portraits in the White Sands Mall.
For more information, please call Diana at 439-3670.