ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – The COAST Players (College of The Albemarle Student Theatre) invite the community to experience the adventure of “The Neverending Story: Atreyu and the Great Quest,” on stage at the COA Performing Arts Center Nov. 6-9. Morning, afternoon and evening performances are scheduled.
Told with all the thrills of a classic adventure, the story begins with Bastian, a lonely boy who stumbles into a mysterious bookshop and discovers a curious book, “The Neverending Story.” Hiding in his school’s attic, Bastian begins to read, and the adventure surges to life.
Photo (l-r): Tristan Ludden (Artax), Joey Shawgo (Atreyu) and Jedediah Ray (Troll). The troll is trying to pet Artax.
Fantastica, a land of stories, is being destroyed by the Nothing. The Childlike Empress chooses Atreyu, a young hunter, as the Hero of the Great Quest. With his horse and companion, Artax, Atreyu confronts the menace, endures the Swamps of Sadness, seeks counsel from Morla the Ancient One, befriends Falkor the Luck Dragon and solves the riddles of the three magic gates to meet Uyulala. He learns that only a human child can give the Empress a new name. Though Atreyu returns without one, his quest inspires Bastian to call out a new name, bringing the story to a triumphant conclusion.
Production summary provided by Dramatic Publishing.
The play is adapted by David S. Craig and is based on the novel by Michael Ende. It is directed by Mary Elysse Santa, COA Drama Instructor, and produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. The production was originally commissioned by Seattle Children’s Theatre and Imagination Stage.
“The Neverending Story has been an imaginative experience for our cast and crew,” said Santa. “We’ve been creating a world powered by imagination in a time where ‘real things’ are priority, surrounded by fantasy creatures brought to life by our actors. We look forward to sharing this fun show with audiences of all ages in November.”
Reservations are available for school field trips on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. and Friday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. Space is limited; advance booking is required.
Location: COA Performing Arts Center (COA – Elizabeth City)
Dates: Nov. 6-9
Tickets, show times and information: Visit www.albemarle.edu/pac.
For more information on tickets or school reservations, contact Karah Young, COA Performing Arts Center Manager, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2358, or [email protected]. You may also contact the COA Box Office for ticket information at 252-335-9050.
For all other COA-related information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at 252-335-0821 ext. 2420, or [email protected].