“The Elves and the Shoemaker” this weekend

Published or Revised September 27, 2011

A play based on the classic Grimm's fairy tale "The Elves and the Shoemaker" is on tap for next weekend at Paris Junior College. "This is a play that is intended for children, but adults will get a kick out of it, too," said PJC drama instructor and play director Alex Peevy. "The spirit of the original story is maintained, yet it is still relevant today. Also, other classic and familiar fairy tale characters and stories are worked in on stage. "I can't say enough for the work and dedication that the actors and crew members of Paris Junior College are putting in to make this a complete and successful performance," Peevy added. The play revolves around Eric, the lone shoemaker of Grimmsville, who makes shoes that are miserably uncomfortable and impossible to walk in, leaving a lot of barefoot villagers as well as Eric without a means to provide for his family. While his wife tries to be supportive, his daughter Shannon just can't take it anymore. Sitting alone in the woods pondering her family's fate, Shannon is confronted by a stranger who offers her the deal of a lifetime. In exchange for her torturous pair of shoes, she is given a magical medallion that holds "the charm of the elves." Wanting to help her family, Shannon tries the chant. Her words beckon a pair of elves that show up night after night at the shoemaker's home creating the most fabulous shoes ever. With his shoes now wanted throughout the land, Eric and his family have more gold than they can count. But they quickly begin to realize that all the money in the world doesn't necessarily buy happiness. "People will walk away from 'The Elves and the Shoemaker' with not only a smile on their face and a little laughter in their hearts, but also a gentle reminder of our responsibilities to those around us," Peevy said. "The play is sure to delight theatre goers of all ages." Public performances begin Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m., as well as Sunday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free with a valid PJC ID. For ticket information, call 903-782-0327.