For the week of  September 19 - 25, 2001

Company of Fools stages ‘The Pied Piper’

---

By ADAM TANOUS
Express Arts Editor

Robert Browning, the 19^th century poet, first made the legend of the Pied Piper famous when he wrote a poem by the title "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." That story and poem has been told countless times and to many a different audience.

Now, he residents of the Wood River Valley will have an opportunity to enjoy a dramatic version of the story when Company of Fools presents "The Pied Piper," Friday, Sept. 28, at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. It continues through Oct. 7.

John Glenn directs this production starring Chad Smith as the Pied Piper. Andrew Alburger and Sheila Summers also have lead roles. Other actors in the production include Sharon Barto, Mackenzie Harbaugh, Renee Knappenberger, John Cortese, Scout Willis and Russell Simone Wilson.

Douglas Jones wrote the script for the production. Jones also wrote the Company of Fools’ productions of "A Christmas Carol," "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse."

The classic Pied Piper story is about the German town of Hamelin that is suffering from an infestation of rats. A man goes to the town mayor and, for a fee, offers to remove the rats. The mayor agrees, and the man proceeds to walk down the street playing his pipe. Hearing the music, the rats come out, follow the piper and eventually drown in the Weser River. When the Piper returns to town, the mayor refuses to pay him. And so goes the story.

Company of Fools plans both evening and matinee performances. On Sept. 28 and 29 and Oct. 5 and 6 performances will be at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. On Sept. 30 and Oct. 7, the curtain time is 3 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale at the Company of Fools box office, located in the front of The Mint on Main Street in Hailey or online at www.ticketweb.com. Tickets are $8 for adults and children. Children 3 and under are admitted free of charge.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.