“Directing this show often took me back to thinking of times when things were much simpler,” said Mari Nuñez, director of The Sauk’s upcoming production of “How to Eat Fried Worms.” “Some of the biggest worries we had on our minds were things like making a silly bet with friends, fighting for stupid reasons and making up over milkshakes.”
“How to Eat Fried Worms” opens Friday and runs for eight performances over two weekends through July 24. This is the second summer The Sauk, Hillsdale County’s community theatre, has produced a summer show specifically for family audiences based on a popular children’s novel.
“I remember reading this book as a kid,” Nuñez added. “We have had great fun bringing this story to life.”
“How to Eat Fried Worms” tells the story of young Billy. People are always daring Billy to do zany things. But Billy may have bitten off more than he can chew when he takes his friend Alan’s bet that Billy can’t eat 15 worms in 15 days. If Billy wins, Alan has to fork over $50. Billy wants the money to buy a used minibike, so he’s ready to dig in.
The youthful cast includes Sauk newcomer Jonathan Comiskey as Billy. The other kids in the cast include Jacob Gray as Tom, Cooper Oxley as Alan, Lorelei Stemme as Jo, Annabelle Gray as Emily and Belle Ambrose as Penny.
Nuñez also directed last summer’s production of “Stuart Little.” Sarah Gray returns for a second year as stage manager. The production team includes Nuñez (set, costumes), Lilly Macie (lighting), Ron Boyle (sound) and Sarah and Jeff Gray (properties). The crew includes Esther Yokell, Ellie Gray, John Ciaravino, Jane Nuñez and Lisa Cook.
Performances are at 10 a.m. on July 15 and 22, at 3 p.m. on July 16, 17, 23 and 24 and at 7 p.m. on July 16 and 23. All performances are at the Sauk Theatre, 240 E. Chicago in Jonesville. Tickets are available at www.thesauk.org or by calling (517) 849-9100. All tickets are $5 with cash or check or $6 with a credit/debit card.
“How to Eat Fried Worms” is sponsored by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. The 2022 season is sponsored by Joyous Journey Photography. The 2022 media sponsor is WCSR Radio Hillsdale and The Dale 99.5 FM.
