First MadVA production Saturday

MadVA Performing Arts will present its inaugural production Saturday in Banco.

The play, “Minuteman,” offers something for everyone–intrigue, action, history, humor and romance. Written by Madison County Board of Supervisors Vice-chair Jim Jewett and celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the production explores the lives of a father, Jeb, and his adult son, Ezekiel, during the Revolutionary War. As Jeb, Jewett has already seen war and cautions Ezekiel, played by Jewett’s real life son Anthony, about becoming involved aside from protecting their farmland and family members. In contrast, Ezekiel’s friend, Clayton, played by Jonathan Hawkins, is passionate about fighting the British. The cast is made complete by pastor Williams (Jonathon Weakley) and his wife, Mary (Cindi Weakley) and daughter Jane (Hannah Housel); Milas Burton (Joseph Housel) and his indentured servant Elizabeth Green (senior Addison Weakley) and Colonel Brooks (Jud Buchanan). Both Housel and Buchanan pull double duty, the former as  John Marshall and the latter as a wartime doctor. The trio of Betsy (Shirley Workman), Anabelle (Ann Nicholson) and Beatrice (10th grade student Beatrice Kerlin) offer injections of humor as the two elder women fawn over Jeb.

The production draws in the audience as they become invested in the stories of Jeb and Ezekiel, their quest to protect their farmland and live their lives in Colonial Virginia. The story is made all the more sweeter by a burgeoning romance between Jeb and Elizabeth. 

The set design, created by Nora Waldrone, Byron Shankle, Kristen Johnson and eighth grader Lilly Johnson is a character unto itself with the Barn at Stony Brook as a supporting character. Live music is performed by Hannah and Emma Schmechel with an original song written by Anna Henderson and performed by Addison Weakley. Lighting is coordinated by Trevor Hogan and eighth grader Nik Kerlin with ninth grader Emma Lauffer serving as technical director. Abbie Jewett and 11th grade student Charlotte Kerlin serve as stage managers.

Performances of “Minuteman,” will be held Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Center for Music and Creative Arts at the Barn at Stony Brook, 3101 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Madison. Tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minuteman-tickets-1998768238607. Concessions will be available for purchase on-site including wine by DuCard Vineyards.

This is just the first production for MadVA Performing Arts. The nonprofit organization will announce its next show Saturday.