ACTS brings coming-of-age novel to stage

ACTS Theatre will present “The Giver,” a dramatic adaptation based on the novel by Lois Lowry, on Feb. 8-10 and Feb. 17-18 at 1 Reid St. in Lake Charles.

Fans of Lowry’s original work will take delight in ACT’s adaptation of the award-winning, young adult novel, Director Kris Webster said. “It was a favorite book of mine as a kid and getting to actually direct it has just been wonderful. The play is much more close to the feel of the book.”

“The Giver” is a coming-of-age story about a young boy, Jonas, who lives in a utopian society void of choices, deep feelings and even the ability to see color. Though the society is seemingly “perfect,” as everything is planned out for each person’s life ahead of time, Jonas finds out that perfection comes at a cost when is tasked with holding “the memories of the past.”

“For all for the imperfections that our lives have now, it kind of proves the point of what we have to give up to have a painless world,” Webster said while describing the play’s theme.

The set and costumes are purposefully subdued to reflect the actions and nature of the characters involved. “It’s a very bare bones and minimal set,” she said. “Everything on stage look muddy. But it kind of helps drive home the drabness that everyone else is feeling.”

The actors also had to try on new techniques to get into the “mind-set” of the characters in the futuristic society. Describing the cast she said, “We have very big scenes and there’s a tendency to want to over emote. I have to get them to actually pull it back because the people in this society don’t have super strong emotions.”

The language and content is family-friendly, however, the overall concepts of the show are most appropriate for older children, teens and adults.

Friday’s opening night will feature a light reception at 6:30 p.m. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8-9 and 3 p.m. Feb. 10; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb 17 and 3 p.m. on Feb. 18.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students with valid identification. They can be purchased online at www.actstheatre.com, at the box office on the day of show or through a voucher available at the Lake Charles Civic Center, Gordon’s Drugs on Lake Street, Moss Bluff Flower and Gift and Hamilton House on Maplewood Drive.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students with valid identification.

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Cast members rehearse for the ACTS Theatre production of “The Giver.”

Special to the American Press
””

“The Giver” is a dramatic adaptation based on the novel by Lois Lowry

Special to the American Press””

 Cast members rehearse for the ACTS Theatre production of “The Giver.”

Special to the American Press
””

Cast members rehearse for the ACTS Theatre production of “The Giver.”

Special to the American Press””

Cast members rehearse for the ACTS Theatre production of “The Giver.”

Special to the American Press

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