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Thursday, June 20, 2013
Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868
March 13, 2013
DALLAS -- Coyote is always looking to cause trouble and -- for the most part -- he gets his way.
LaCreole Middle School's cast of the play "Coyote Tales" will be putting the title character's deceptive antics on stage and provide a glimpse into Native American folklore for audiences this Friday and Saturday during three free shows.
"Coyote Tales" is a collection of Native American myths, each captured in separate scenes or vignettes.
"Each story has an individual message, but I think the overall message is exploration into other people's cultures is important and a great thing to experience," said Megan Wacker, the play's volunteer director.
"Coyotes Tales" temporarily revives LaCreole's theater program, with Wacker, a student teacher in the Dallas School District, volunteering to lead the production. The entire play was produced on a $500 budget, with the cast designing costumes and the set.
Wacker said she can't continue the program after the show's run this week, but hopes the district will find a way to provide middle school drama in the future.
"They were very excited to put it on in their own space, with their own classmates and prove to the administration that they can make a great thing out of nothing," she said.
For many of the 20 cast members, this is their first experience with acting.
Kailee Curtis, an eighth-grader, will perform before an audience for the first time this week. She plays "Bear," "Lizard" and various human characters in multiple scenes.
Curtis said she isn't nervous for her first appearance on stage.
"I'm actually really excited because all my friends are coming and it's different from what I usually get to do," she said.
The cast will take the show on the road, so to speak, touring Dallas grade schools and putting on a performance for their peers before the Friday and Saturday shows.
Cast member Melanie Gray, a seventh-grader, wants those performances to convince students in the audience to explore their creative side.
"It's a good way for people who want to be young actors to express themselves," she said. "I hope this encourages others to start acting."
LaCreole on stage:
What: "Coyote Tales."
When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: LaCreole Middle School cafeteria stage, 701 SE LaCreole Drive, Dallas.
Admission: Free.
For more information: 503-623-6662.
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