Vermillion Players has done it again. "The Magical Pied Piper" has combined the talents of 105 children under the superb direction of Jerry Keck, aided by the musical direction of Jean Keck, choreographed by Neisha Hibbs, costumed by Julie Dunham and Pam Teske, acting on a stage designed by Bill and Jane Diaz and Cathee Clausen.
 The well-known tale takes place in the village of Hamelin that is infested with rats. The townsfolk and the old biddies are incensed with Mayor Boodle, played by Ben Schweizer, who does nothing about the horrible situation. His assistant, Sigfired Grimace, played by Torey Thorson, always has the council orders in mind. The mayor devises a plan of offering 1000 guilder to one who could rid the town of rats. His fair daughter Gretchen, double cast with Jasmine Comens and Aubrey Dunham, is in love with Peter, played by Brad Follmer. They cannot marry until Peter has enough for a dowry, which happens to be 1000 guilder.
 The magic begins when Peter posts the proclamation on the old Hamelin tree, which produces Fairy Bibblethwaite and her protecting band of little fairies. One good turn deserves another, so Fair Bibblethwaite, gracefully played by Molly Kinate, gives Peter a magical pipe and a magical costume that will help him lure the rats from the village.
 We meet the rats of the village led by Julius Caesar, played by Jacob Dunham. They are a sneaky and lively bunch of rats. The Kitty Cat Patrol, ably led by Ali Catt, double cast with Molly Pomeranke and Emily Sledgister, show their feline talents. The cats and the rats tangle but Peter ultimately triumphs when he blows his magical pipe and lures the rats into the river.
This could be the happy ending but the Mayor refuses to pay the reward to Peter. He becomes irate and decides to retalliate by piping the children away from Hamelin into the magical mountain. The townsfolk want their children back and plead with the Mayor. An emergency town meeting produces Fairy Bibblethwaite and her loyal little fairies. She helps the Mayor understand the situation. The Kitty Cat Patrol helps the townsfolk visualize the children in the magical mountain. The magic that brings them home is the realization that mothers and fathers and love in Hamelin is better than a magical mountain. Of course, there's the happy ending.
 There are no re cognizable tunes in this production but most are toe-tapping renditions well done by the children. Mayor Boodle, Mrs. Boodle, and Sigfried Grimace combine nicely in "Most Important Man." Gretchen and Peter and the Sweet Young Things do well with "I Only Will Marry for Love." The rats and the cats shine with "We Are the Rats" and "We Are the Cats." Fairy Bibblethweaite in all of her magical abilities, beautifully sings "Never Ask a Foolish Question." The finale brings home the lesson that "Mothers and Fathers and Love" are the most important thing.
A fine production involves many more people than there are on stage. The lighting is under the direction of Taylor Johnson. Sound is controlled by Jimmie Ramsey and Jason Vissering. Many volunteers helped paint the set and sew costumes. Props were obtained by Jon and Julie Kinate. Cece White took charge of the make-up. Tammy Schaefer always provides great popcorn and lemonade in the concessions.
Performances are Thursday through Sunday, July 12-15, at Chautauqua Park Pavilion at 7:30. Tickets can be purchased at the door beginning at 6:30 each evening. Prices are children $5, seniors $6 and adults $7.
Production Photos
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