The Department of Performing Arts brings to the stage this weekend 110 in the Shade, a musical that takes the audience into Depression-era Texas where one woman rediscovers love when a con man comes to town with promises to end a drought. The show opens Thursday night in McCrary Theatre.
Written by N. Richard Nash, Music by Harvey Schmidt, Lyrics by Tom Jones, Direction and Choreography by Linda Sabo, Musical Direction Nate Beversluis
McCrary Theatre, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Lizzie, the spinster daughter of rancher H.C. Curry and sister of Noah and Jimmy, seems destined to watch her friends and family marry off while she takes on the label “old maid” because she is too plain to attract a man. Meanwhile, to protect himself from being hurt again, the local sheriff and recent divorcee File has become a loner. Into their lives comes a con man who promises rain but brings instead hope and renewal for both Lizzie and File through the simple gift of faith. And, who knows, he just may bring the rain as well!
110 in the Shade, a musical based on N. Richard Nash’s play The Rainmaker, was adapted from the play by Nash himself with music and lyrics by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, the team who also wrote music for The Fantasticks, I Do, I Do!, and Celebration.
Admission: $12 or Elon ID. Tickets available January 21.