BOONE, Iowa—Boone Community Theatre will debut new locally composed music as well as community acting talent in The Last of the Dragons performed May 13the to the 15th at Herman Park Pavilion, 621 South Greene Street in Boone.
The Last of the Dragons premiered in Chicago years ago, but due to copyright complications has not returned as a musical since its first run. Thanks to an old college connection between the playwright, David Bareford, and BCT’s Pamela Webster and Mishelle Levi, the play will be presented in Boone with new music composed by Gershom Levi of Ogden and lyrics by Brandon Windus of Ames.
“The music adds so much to an already enchanting storyline,” said Susan Herrick, who co-directs with Webster. “Once the actors are in costume with a colorful set, props and a few exciting sword fights, I think adults as well as children will find themselves cheering for their favorite characters and enjoying this return to live theatre.”
Audiences will recognize Carlee Carpenter of Boone who returns to the BCT stage as a swashbuckling princess of Astoria who questions the custom of being sacrificed to a fire breathing dragon so she can be rescued by a prince. Meanwhile a bookworm Tuscan prince (Chris Terrell) disputes his royal duty to slay a dragon (David Michael) for his princess bride. Throw in the fact that dragons have become scarce and you have the plot for a lively musical exploration of traditions, expectations, and self discovery. Other cast members are Garry Gardner, Michele Jacobson, Lisa Ladd, Christopher Levi, Gershom Levi, and Maggie Witte. Musicians are Monica Pearson, Rita Patterson, Lily Ferguson and Thomas Chinery.
Performances of The Last of the Dragons are set for May 13th and 14th at 7:00 p.m. and May 15th at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, and $10 for students and those age 65 or older. Tickets are available at www.boonecommunitytheatre.org or at the pavilion entrance prior to performances.
Lawn chairs are allowed, but social distancing is encouraged and masks required. Concessions will be available before and after performances with proceeds going to the annual BCT youth scholarship fund. Winners of The Last of the Dragons coloring contest will receive their awards at the performance of their choice. For more information, call (515)303-0393 and leave a voice message.
(contributed press release, BCT)
