Culture

Left to right, Phil Palmer, Joshua Lightle and Daniel Warne star in the Zanesville Community Theatre's production of "The Ransom of Red Chief." (photo provided)
Left to right, Phil Palmer, Joshua Lightle and Daniel Warne star in the Zanesville Community Theatre’s production of “The Ransom of Red Chief.” (photo provided)

Zanesville Community Theatre Presents O. Henry Classic


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The Zanesville Community Theatre’s 53rd season continues with this weekend’s opening of the family friendly comedy The Ransom of Red Chief.

Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6. and Feb. 12-13, with Sunday matinees on Feb. 7 and 14 at 2:30 p.m.

The play is being directed for Zanesville Community Theatre by Val Frank Gahagan, assisted by Reanna Warne. Angel Palmer is the show’s producer.

Based on O’Henry’s humorous classic about Bill, played by Phil Palmer, and Sam, played by Daniel Warne, who make the mistake of kidnaping a brat known as “Red, ” played by Joshua Lightle.

Brought up by a skinflint uncle (Scott Robison) and a mean housekeeper (Maggie Nussbaum), Red gladly leaves with the two strangers. The kidnappers are delighted, but it is their last moment of peace. Red, or “Red Chief” as he prefers to be called now, has two full-time playmates and keeps them hopping. It’s tiring work, and finally, Sam’s patience exhausted, he makes the mistake of getting Red mad. Never were two hapless criminals so bitterly taken advantage of.

The cast of characters also includes: Jerah Gahagan as Mary Alice; Chelsea Miller as Mrs. Miller; Jan Smith as Constable Jones; Pam Smith as Miss Oliver; Katie Tewksbary as Miss Russell; Constance Gahagan as Jane Chandler; Payton Van Nort as Abigail; Katie Gahagan as Ellie; and Reagan Whitaker as Susan.

For more information, or to make reservations, phone the Theatre box office at 740-455-67487. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting zct.org. The Zanesville Community Theatre is located in the McIntire Historic District, at 940 Findley Avenue in Zanesville.