You've heard of "Dracula," "Frankenstein" and "Psycho." Ever heard of "Bad Seed?"
For those of you who haven't, or even for that matter, for those of you who have, why not check it out this week?
Acting Out, a nonprofit theater organization in the Merrimack Valley, is bringing the show to the stage this weekend. Founded in 2002, Acting Out aims to involve local adults and children in the world of theater. Past productions include classics like "Annie" and "It's a Wonderful Life."
"Bad Seed," a 1950s-era horror and psychological thriller, follows the story of a seemingly perfect 8-year-old child, Rhoda Penmark, who is actually capable of cold-blooded murder.
The story also involves her mother Christine's struggle with the truth and the unexpected secrets she uncovers about her own past.
Fifth-grader and Andover resident, Emma Kelley, plays Rhoda Penmark in three of the four showings.
"It's just so interesting to play this psychopath little girl," she says, "I have to be so dramatic, and learn so many lines, and just change little things about myself, you know, since I'm really not like Rhoda at all."
This is Emma's first experience with a main role for Acting Out.
North Andover resident Molly Tannatt, who joined the group over a year ago, has been involved in several shows. This time around, she plays Christine Penmark, Rhoda's mother.
"I have a daughter Rhoda's age, so it just keeps me thinking, 'What if this really was my daughter?' I think that really helps bring a sense of realism to it on stage," Tannatt says. "Christine's a really complex character, and the play is really going to be great. It just shows you how innocence and evil can be so intimately connected."
North Andover resident Rita Gavelis plays Monica Breedlove, the Penmarks' landlord.
"Monica is just really so enamored with who she thinks is this perfect little girl," Gavelis says. "And sometimes she comes close to figuring something out, but manages to stay oblivious throughout the entire story. She's really almost too stupid for her own good, but the audience will see what she's missing."
"And Rob is just so great to work with," adds Tannatt, about Haverhill resident and director Rob Fitzgerald.
After a long break, Fitzgerald is ready to try his hand at directing again. In the past he has been involved in other Acting Out productions, among them, playing Mr. Van Dann in "The Diary of Anne Frank," and Professor Harold Nemur in "Flowers for Algernon."
"It's been awhile for me," Fitzgerald says, "but it's a great cast, a great company, and everyone's working so hard. 'Bad Seed' is kind of the original of its genre, and we're really excited to put it up on stage."
IF YOU GO
WHAT: "Bad Seed"
WHEN: Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
WHERE: 56 Island St., Lawrence
TICKETS: All seats $12
CONTACT: 978-794-0001 or actingouttheater@comcast.net
