Wayside Theatre Education in Action Presents Mary Shelley: A Spark of Being

Warner Crocker, Artistic Director announced the Education in Action (EIA) Fall presentation of "Mary Shelley: A Spark of Being." A Play in One-Act written by local high school students: Libby Powell (Sherando High School), Claire Haskins (Sherando High School), Kaitlin Duley (Sherando High School) and Emily Lunde (Sherando High School). The EIA production is sponsored by: Summit Community Bank, Apple Valley Hyundai, BKC Anesthesia, Thomas and Rebecca Lawson, Harvest Moon Natural Foods, Harrison and Johnston PLC, and Dewein Construction and Maintenance.

The performances will be Friday, November 11 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, November 12 at 2:30pm and 8:00pm on the mainstage of Wayside Theatre.

Tickets are $15 for evenings, $12 for the matinee. Children 5-17 are $10 for all performances. Subscribers are $12 for all performances. General Seating.

One follows the story of Mary Shelley (Frankenstein) and her husband Percy as they discover their passions for love, family, writing and each other. A union formed within the notion of 'Free Love', Mary and Percy struggle to define and strengthen their relationship amid family quarrels, indiscretions, and an incredible amount of loss. Through it all, you will see how Mary brings 'A Spark of Being' to everything she touches. Woven throughout this beautifully written saga of their romance are the words of some of the world's most famous poets, including Lord Byron and the Shelleys themselves.

Cast starring Olivia Adams (Sherando High School) and Luke Dumont (James Wood High School) as Mary and Percy Shelley. Also, local high school actors starring are: Mary Buhl (Sherando High School), Brandon Shockey (Moorefield High School), Lauren Flaming (Sherando High School), Gabe Schneider (Home School) and Hannah Solenberger (Winchester Academy).

Stage Management team includes high school students: Libby Powell (Stage Manager-Sherando High School), Kaitlin Duley (ASM- Sherando High School) and Garrett Blankenship (ASM- Warren County Middle School).

"This presentation allows our local high school talent to write, act and present a production and provide a learning experience that most students never experience." stated by Megan McShea, Education Director.

Lights, set, costume and sound designed by Wayside Staff: Zack Fullenkamp (lights design) Jody Lee (Set design) Wes Calkin (Sound design) and Joette Orndorff (Costumes Design) and directed by Rebecca Calkin.

Wayside Theatre is the oldest professional theatre in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is celebrating its 50th season of

presenting high quality, professional entertainment. Single tickets, can be obtained by calling the box office at (540) 869-1776.

Additional information can be obtained on the theatre's website at www.waysidetheatre.org. Wayside Theatre is located in Middletown, Virginia on Route 11, Main Street, just north of the intersection of I-66 and I-81.