JOHN & JEN Will Come to The Sauk This Month

A rarely-produced musical about connections, commitments and the healing of the human heart will come to The Sauk, Hillsdale County's community theatre, for four performances this weekend at the Sauk Theatre in Jonesville.

A truly original musical, "John & Jen" is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, the son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. Jen and her younger brother, John, are growing up in the ever-changing world of mid-century America. As the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings. When John is killed in Vietnam, Jen is left to reconcile her memory of their fractured relationship along with her son and brother's namesake. 

"I have wanted us to produce this show for many, many years," said The Sauk's Executive Director Trinity Bird. "It is a beautiful piece of theatre and I hope our audience takes a chance on a show they have probably never heard of before."

Sauk favorite Meghan Barnes plays Jen. Barnes is best remembered on the Sauk stage as Lily in "Annie," Elsa in "The Sound of Music," Mrs. Peacock in "Clue: The Musical" and Tanya in "Mamma Mia!" Sauk newcomer Bradley Jayne plays both Johns. He may be remembered from productions of "White Christmas," "Grease" and "Little Shop of Horrors" at Center Stage Jackson.

The production is directed by Bruce Crews with musical direction by Dale Hendershot III. Stage management is by Mandee Leigh Howard with assistance from Morgan Francis. The design team consists of Austin Petrie (sets), Meaghan Bryant (costumes), Bird (lights), Emily Crews (sound) and Cyndi Baldermann (properties). The orchestra includes Hendershot on keyboard, Ian Noble on cello and Evagene Wellman on percussion.