The stories are timeless and beloved artifacts handed down over generations of childhood.
Everyone knows the tales of the Three Little Pigs, Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. But those popular stories take on a different hue when interwoven with the sounds, speech and scenery of the Appalachian Mountains.
In the hands of Greenwood-based theater troupe Agape Theater Company, the fables become something entirely new in their most recent performance.
“It’s like a fun-house mirror — same story, similar aspects, but very different feel,” said Grant Scott-Miller, who is directing one of the vignettes in the show.
In a unique blend of classic storytelling and mountain folklore, the actors of Agape Theater Company is staging “Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales.” The award-winning musical blends traditional tales and original music, resulting in a family-friendly amalgam of storytelling, song, puppetry and dance.
“It’s about telling fables through a different cultural perspective. It’s fun, it’s light-hearted, it tells typical stories in a new light that isn’t typically seen through the Appalachian culture, which makes it more fun to watch,” said Brynn Hensley, who is directing one of the vignettes in the show. “It’s a whimsical way to step into the stories we’ve all known as kids.”
Agape presents the show starting Thursday as part of this year’s IndyFringe Festival, an annual celebration of independent artistry featuring a collection of the most off-the-wall, quirky yet still thought-provoking performances local theater has to offer. To be included in such a popular cultural event has been exhilarating.
“I’m really excited to do it, especially since (IndyFringe) is a really big festival downtown that many people go to,” said Lacey Pierce, a Southport resident who portrays the titular Catskins in the Cinderella-based story. “I get to tell this story to other people, to let them know how special and fun it is, and maybe let other people experience it too.”
This is not Agape’s first time taking part in IndyFringe. The troupe was accepted to be part of the festival in 2020, but the pandemic forced its cancellation. Agape made its debut in 2021 with “Narnia.”
In 2020, they were accepted to be part of IndyFringe. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced the cancellation of the event, so Agape had to wait another year to make their Fringe Fest debut.
Agape Theater Company was founded as a theater ministry of Our Lady of Greenwood Catholic Church to provide more opportunities for young actors on the southside. Since that time, it has staged works ranging from “The Pirates of Penzance” and “Into the Woods Jr.” to “Macbeth” and “Newsies.”
Their production of “Les Misérables” won the Most Impressive Youth Theater Production of 2017 Award, while the production of “The Tempest” won the Most Impressive Youth Theater Production of 2019 Award.
The organization has also been invited to take part in another Indianapolis-area theater festival, Indy Bard Fest, and the troupe performed “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” in 2018, “The Tempest” in 2019 and “Macbeth” last year.
When thinking about this year’s submission to IndyFringe, Agape executive director Kathy Phipps wanted to find a show that would be appealing to local families, presenting them with theater they’ve likely never encountered. At the same time, it was important to provide an opportunity for older members of the theater troupe a chance to lead the productions.
“Each of the three stories is directed by a college-age student who has worked with us before. These talented young people have proven creative abilities and we want to encourage their growth as theater leaders,” Phipps said. “‘Sing Down the Moon is a perfect opportunity for us to provide outstanding family-friendly entertainment while also mentoring the next generation of theater professionals.”
The musical features vignettes that spin three classic stories. “Sow and Her Three Pigs” focuses on a family of pigs outsmarting a wily fox. “Catskins” transforms Cinderella into a spunky and resourceful mountain girl, played by Lacey Pierce, who meets her love at a barn dance.
“Jack Tales” follows clever Jack through the adventures of climbing a magic vine and outwitting the giants he encounters.
“It’s a little different. There are a few twists that are really fun that really fit into the whole aesthetic of the Appalachian Mountains,” said Rachel Majorins, an Indianapolis resident who portrays Jack in “Jack Tales.” “It’s so much fun. It’s fun to perform for a festival.”
Rehearsal for the show has been ongoing for weeks, as the students have mastered their lines and the choreography of the show. At the same time, they needed to gain a feel for the music and the culture of the Appalachian region.
They worked on the speech patterns, lifestyles, and values of people who live in those mountainous areas.
“For me, this story is about guarding your heart and protecting yourself from people who can take it for granted,” said Rebekah Barajas, who is directing “Sow and Her Three Pigs” during the show. “They’ve been working so hard to tell the story, and they’re really into it. It’s been really fun.”
“Sing Down the Moon” opens at the Athenaeum with a pair of performances Thursday and Friday, before returning for another round of shows on Aug. 27 and 28.
