Due to delays in construction work and renovation at City Rep's new temporary location at 638 S. State St., the opening of the company's production of "Brer Rabbit and the Wonderful Tar Baby" has been postponed until tonight (Friday, June 19) in yet another temporary site: the multipurpose room at Hawthorne Elementary School, 1675 S. 600 East.
The show, an original City Rep adaptation of the classic "Uncle Remus" stories, will play at Hawthorne for six of its previously scheduled public performances (June 19, 20, 27, 29 and July 3 at 7:30 p.m. and on June 20 at 2 p.m.) and three of its currently scheduled school performances.Thomas W. Parker, president of Salt Lake Repertory Theatre company, said City Rep expects to open its new State Street facility on July 10, after which "Brer Rabbit" will continue as part of its repertory schedule, alternating with "Robin Hood," through early September.
If the new space opens as scheduled, these performances would include July 11, 13 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and July 11 and 18 at 2 p.m., with additional dates to be announced.
City Rep publicist Betsy O'Bryant said Thursday morning that the company's recently announced calendar may also change, with the possibility that "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" may be postponed entirely.
For reservations to "Brer Rabbit," contact the City Rep box office at 532-6000. While the theater itself is not yet functioning at the new State Street space, the box office there is open. Admission is $6.50 for adults and $4.75 for children (16 and under). All seats are reserved.
- WHILE THE LOCALE of "Brer Rabbit" is the rural American South, the stories originated in many parts of the world, including Africa, the West Indies, Russia, Egypt, Finland and Denmark.
City Rep Artistic Director Joanne M. Parker has adapted the tales for the stage. More than a century ago, Atlanta journalist Joel Chandler Harris collected the various stories under the title, "Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings."
The central character is, of course, the lively Brer Rabbit, a trickster who loves to outsmart his animal friends from one clever adventure to another. The animals who inhabit the woods in Remus' stories cannot leave well enough alone. They tease and chase each other, work together and play hilarious tricks on each other.
Parker has also drawn on stories adapted by Julius Lester, a Newbery Honor author.
The cast includes Nigel James, Stuart Mitchell, Dale Cope, Greer Alan Brand, Michael Hohl, Kurt Farmer, Michael Canham, Michael Fraughton, Shannon Bryner, Jacquie Bennion, Anna Taylor and Emilie Hales in leading roles.