NEWS REPORT

John W. Bate Middle School students are putting on the fall play “Once Upon a Crime: The Trial of Goldilocks” Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. The play is showing at Gravely Hall Performing Arts Center, located inside Danville High School.

Tickets are $5 for adults, and $2 for children and seniors. Children who are age 5 and under get free admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Bate’s drama teacher, Darell Rickmers, is directing the play.

“The play is the story of Goldilocks being on trial for crimes she ‘allegedly’ committed against the three bears,” he said, summarizing the play. “Tom Thumb, prosecuting attorney for the plaintiffs — you guessed it — the three bears, has brought her up on charges of loitering, trespassing, vandalism, and breaking and entering. Goldilocks’ attorney, Henny Penny, is attempting to defend her client as being a kind, gentle and generous person by exposing fraudulent situations on the part of the prosecutor’s witnesses. Both attorneys call witnesses as they go toe-to-toe, hoping to prove their respective clients’ cases. Other fairy tale characters, whose backgrounds appear a little sketchy themselves, are called to testify as witnesses, including Hansel and Gretel, Jack and Cow, and Granny. Even the Big Bad Wolf takes the stand. Can any of these witnesses be trusted themselves? Is Goldilocks guilty or innocent? The audience will help in deciding Goldilocks’ fate.”

He said the students have worked very hard putting the play together, and the stage manager is Kat Tompkins.

“We have lots of new faces for this show on stage and behind the scenes, as well as some of our more seasoned actors on stage,” Rickmers said. “All have really stepped up and are ready to provide a great evening of entertainment for audiences of all ages. This is the first time for a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee for a Bate Middle show. We are excited for the opportunity to try out this new time slot. A flower sale fundraiser is also being held to allow family, friends and audience members show their appreciation to the students for their hard work and success.”