CAMERON WEBSTER
campus editor
cameron.webster@my.tccd.edu

The award-winning theater program at NW is putting on its annual spring children’s production with a rendition of the Brothers Grimm classic, “Hansel and Gretel.”

TCC students, faculty and staff get in for free. General admission is $3. Two showtimes are available to the public, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. and March 5 at 2 p.m.

According to NW theater director Brent Alford, this will be the eighth year in a row NW has produced a play of this kind.

“It’s become a tradition on this campus, and we invite in elementary school students from our service area,” Alford said. “We are expecting about 600 this time around.”

He said the story will embrace the play’s dark origins and remain faithful to the original content. Elements of the story will only be expanded or altered so the play can reach its 50-minute run time.

Starring in the role of Gretel will be NW student Laci Hawkins. The antagonist, the Witch, will be portrayed by NW student Bradley Trey Kelly. Currently, the role of Hansel is being recast as the original actor dropped out last minute.

Stage manager Casey Nail said it’s expected that at least one person will drop out, but the show must go on.

“The play happens Wednesday at 10 unless the place burns down,” Nail said. “The children’s show is the staff’s favorite show to put on. We love doing this for kids.”

Nail said he hopes, however, their interpretation of the story is entertaining for anyone that comes to see.    

The show is expected to be filled with high-quality production value and effects. Things like people being baked in ovens and witches appearing out of thin air are small examples of what’s in store.   

“There’s plenty of visual eye candy, and effects that will be fun, particularly for young children to see,” Alford said.

While the target audience for the show is elementary students, Alford thinks the production presents a unique experience to anyone with young family members.  

“It’s a wonderful opportunity if you have young ones in your family to bring them and expose them, possibly for the first time, to live theater,” Alford said.

The location for the play is NW Campus, WTLO 1108. The phone number to call for reservations is 817-515-7724.