Theater in the Open springs forth from its winter doldrums this weekend to perform its annual "Rites of Spring" on the fields of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport.
The 14th annual event celebrates the arrival of spring with a giant outdoor celebration for the community. It also kicks off the new season for the company that's the theater-in-residence at Maudslay.
"The purpose of it is to bring in spring," said Theater in the Open Artistic Director Jeffrey Rath. "We celebrate the fact that it is getting warmer."
This year's "Rites of Spring" will feature company members along with volunteers coming together to perform the story of the beloved Dr. Seuss children's book, "The Lorax."
Using giant puppets, cast members will present the tale of conservation that encourages preservation of forests and nature for the friendly, furry and feathered friends who live there.
"It's a timely story about conservation and being green," said company manager Beth Randall. "It's something we are all thinking about right now."
Because fewer community volunteers have stepped forward this year, leaving less people to operate the giant puppets that have become a trademark for "The Rites of Spring," Rath said the company is altering the format of the production somewhat.
"Whereas there is usually more puppetry and pageantry, it is more of a story," he said.
But the company will keep with tradition in staging a series of side shows before the featured presentation. The side shows will include improvisational fairy tales, fairy wand-making, a planting table and a skit based on the "Harold and the Purple Crayon" book.
"We definitely have an education component to our work year-round," Randall said. "'The Rites of Spring' is focused on celebrating nature and getting back outside again."
Families and spring enthusiasts are encouraged to bring a blanket and spend time taking in the sights and sounds of Theater in the Open's production as well as the beauty of Maudslay.
"It's a fun day and it's inexpensive," Randall said. "You can come down and hang out in the park and wander around in the field. It's an event for everyone."
IF YOU GO
r What: Theater in the Open's annual "Rites of Spring"
r When: Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Rain dates May 17 and 18, 2 p.m.
r Where: Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. (The performance is outdoors. Dress for the weather.)
r How: Tickets $5. Children under 3 free. Call 978-465-2572 or visit www.theaterintheopen.org.
THEATER IN THE OPEN'S 2008 SEASON
r "The Master Cat," original adaptation of "Puss and Boots" by Theresa Linnihan, June 7 through 29. Performances Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
r "Peer Gynt," by Henrik Ibsen, July 19 through Aug. 10. Performances Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m.
r "Women with the Red Kerchief," original script by Wendy Lement and Firouzeh Mostashari, Sept. 6 through 28. Performances Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
r "Maudslay is Haunted," annual spooking of the park, Oct. 18 and 19, 2 to 4 p.m.
All shows are performed at the park, 76 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. Most take place outdoors, dependent on the weather.
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