Beatrix Potter’s tale brought to CTC Circle
Beloved Beatrix Potter tale “The Tailor of Gloucester” will be presented in concert version in Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s Circle Theatre in one performance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24.
Costumed actors, standing behind podiums, will perform this adaptation, with book by Michael Huseman and Chuck Tuttle, CTC education director. Music and lyrics are also by Huseman, who composed seven original songs for the characters in the story.
“The Tailor of Gloucester” is the story of a tailor who must make a coat for the Mayor of Gloucester to wear at his wedding on Christmas Day. He sends his cat to buy food and a twist of silk to complete the waistcoat.
While the cat is gone, the tailor finds the cat has captured mice under teacups. The mice are released; but in retaliation, the cat hides the silk twist.
The tailor falls ill, but if he doesn’t finish the coat he knows he will be ruined. Fortunately, his small furry friends come to his aid.
John Echols is cast in the title role of the tailor. Beth Wolford plays Simpkin, the cat. Jason Russell is the mayor, and Kim Jackson is the narrator. Playing the mice will be Zachary Huseman, Ben DeWitt, Makayla Pettricione and Lauren Hays.
Huseman says the actors will sing to tracks he created that incorporate violins, harpsichords and other instruments of that period.
“Beatrix Potter wrote such a beautiful lyrical story and Chuck was totally taken with the sound of the language,” Huseman says. “What we did was look through the story and basically set her words to music. There is a bit of narration and there are musical settings of her exact words.”
This is one of nine original musicals on which the pair has collaborated. Saturday night’s production marks the second concert performance of this show.
“Kids enjoy it as much as adults. It’s totally family-friendly,” says the composer. “We try to make it a festive event so if you have family in town for Thanksgiving, or to recover from Black Friday, you can come
down and enjoy a peaceful show with a heartfelt message.”
Tickets may be purchased at the CTC box office, by calling 423-2678534, online at TheatreCentre.com or at the door.