Not your average fairytale

WALLACE –– The Sixth Street Theater and Melodrama is kicking off its 40th year of shows with its July production, “Into the Storybook – or – Never Judge a Book by its Contents.”

Written and directed by Sixth Street veterans Drake Duce and Jeseray Harpel, the story follows a young boy named Arthur in his quest to win the love of a beautiful princess.

The hijinx ensues when a hilariously cynical witch finds herself involved in schemes by both the hero and the villain.

Mix in some traditional fairy tale tropes, and numerous pop culture references and you have a show that will have audiences howling with laughter.

This show marked the first time that Duce has been a part of the writing process, meanwhile, Harpel has several writing credits to her name as a part of the theater.

“A lot of my contributions to this script were the pop culture references,” Duce said with a laugh.

Duce and Harpel have been put through the wringer to get this production on its feet, including casting changes and having to find a replacement accompanist.

The show unintentionally features an all-female cast after some personal emergencies forced previously casted actors to vacate their roles, however, Duce believes that they ended up with the right people playing the parts.

“Jenny (Donaldson) had to learn her lines in like two weeks,” Duce said. “But you’d never know that because she’s been absolutely terrific.”

Featuring an all-female cast that includes both Harpel and Josie Reid playing Princess Vivian, Dacey Hayman as the Narrator, Lucille Derbyshire as Arthur, Donaldson as the villainous Malcolm, and Angela Curl as the Witch.

Like many of the shows at Sixth Street, Into the Storybook features incidental music throughout the show, and then once the main performance is over, the actors perform songs, skits, and some comedy as part of Kelly’s Alley Revue – These musical aspects of the show require an accompanist.

Long-time Sixth Street accompanist Tamara Lindroos was originally scheduled for the July show, but had to undergo emergency surgery on one of her hands – Fortunately, local piano player Carl Rowe stepped in to make sure that the show could go on.

Rowe has become a regular at Sixth Street, almost exclusively as an actor – despite his obvious talents tickling the ivories.

“It was kind of an emergency, but we’re so thankful that Carl was available and stepped in to help us out,” Duce said.

“Into the Storybook – or – Never Judge a Book by its Contents” began its month-long run this week and will continue through July 30, with performances Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets please call (208)752-8871 or visit www.sixthstreetmelodrama.com.