Jack in the Park Tales Start June 25

The Blowing Rock Stage Company 2009 interns present Jack in the Park Tales every Thursday and Saturday from June 25 to July 25. Photo submitted

Beginning Thursday, June 25, the Blowing Rock Stage Company 2009 interns will give the annual free performance of Jack in the Park Tales, adapted for the stage by John Crutchfield and directed by Derek Gagnier.

The rich and orally derived tales have been spun and re-spun for more than 200 years throughout the Appalachian mountain region. They have been traced back as far as the 15th century and continue to be told today on Beech Mountain.

A duo of playlets will be performed at the outdoor Annie Cannon Gardens, located off Laurel Lane in Blowing Rock, near the head of the Glen Burney Trail. Performances will be held at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. every Thursday and Saturday, from June 25 to July 25. An additional performance at 12:00 p.m. will take place Saturday, July 18.

The repertory of Jack Tales finds its constant in a good-natured and clever young hero named Jack, known to many of us as the hero of “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Jack the Giantkiller.” Jack goes out alone into the world, faces challenges his brothers fail and surmounts them by means of ordinary objects endowed with magical powers, such as a bullhorn, tablecloth or cowhide.

The talented cast of six is comprised of Jana Barros, Hannah Fuller, Catherine Ledford, Derek Pickens, Jenna Smith, Mason Weaver and stage manager Cary Anne Cottingham. They portray dozens of characters from Jack in the Park Tales including giants, aliens and pirates. These particular tales provide a modern take on the beloved folk tales that include the story “Jack and the Giants” and “Jack and the Northwest Wind,” in which the audience actually assists in telling the story.

The cast uses physical comedy, puppets, a chord or two of music and a bit of help now and then to bring these tales to life.

In “Jack and the Giants,” Jack takes on three horrible giants who are bent on eating Jack and his family for breakfast. Will Jack outwit these monsters, or will the big 'uns triumph? Jack has finally met his match when he tries to save his “Maw” from freezing to death in “Jack and the Northwest Wind.” With the help of a wise old man, a magic chicken and an amazing tablecloth, Jack seems to get the upper hand—that is, until some meddling kids show up.

For more information, call 828-295-9627.

Want To Go?

Date: Thursdays and Saturdays, June 25 to July 25
Time: 10:00 and 11:00 a.m./10:00 and 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. July 18
Location: Annie Cannon Gardens, Blowing Rock
Cost: Free